After enduring two years in captivity under Hamas, Matan Zangauker, 25, was among the 20 Israeli hostages set free and handed over to the Red Cross. His mother, Einav, overwhelmed with joy, assured him during a video call that he and the others would soon be reunited with their families, marking the end of their ordeal.
Einav had tirelessly campaigned for her son’s release, urging the government to secure their freedom. Matan, along with his partner Ilana Gritzewsky, was taken by Hamas during a tragic incident at Kibbutz Nir Oz. Fortunately, Ilana was released a month later in November 2023.
The Red Cross confirmed the safe return of seven Israeli hostages following a significant ceasefire agreement. Among them were Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. The former captives were transferred to Israeli-controlled territories in Gaza under Red Cross escort and will receive medical attention at the Rei’im base in southern Israel before reuniting with their families after more than 700 days.
US President Donald Trump was anticipated to arrive in Tel Aviv to claim credit for the peace deal that led to the end of the conflict before attending a Middle East summit. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, as the hostages reached safety, cars honked in celebration while forensic teams prepared to receive the remains of up to 28 deceased hostages.
The day marked a triumph for the Bring Them Home campaign, drawing crowds to Hostage Square for what may be the final time. While Israeli hostages were being repatriated, hundreds of Palestinians were also scheduled for release from prisons to be transferred to Gaza or sent into exile abroad.
Hamas announced that 20 surviving Israeli hostages would be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, with fears that 25 hostages in Gaza may have lost their lives during the captivity ordeal.