Video footage circulating online has captured the heartfelt moments of released captives reuniting with their loved ones after more than two years in captivity.
On Monday, Hamas freed all surviving hostages in Gaza as part of a ceasefire, marking the end of a two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas has released all hostages alive in Gaza, with 20 individuals returning to Israel. Additionally, 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza, including 22 children, are set to be released today.
As of Monday morning, 48 hostages were still held in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. The hostages returning today, except one, were seized by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel, where 251 people were abducted and 1,200 lost their lives.
Following the attacks, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the death of over 67,000 individuals, according to the Hamas health ministry.
Amid a US-brokered ceasefire, families and friends on both sides of the conflict have been joyfully reunited as captives are returned in both directions.
Shared clips online depict emotional scenes as hostages are embraced by their loved ones after enduring more than two years in harsh captivity under Hamas militants.
Eitan Horn, a 38-year-old Israeli hostage, was reunited with his family and friends in Rosh Haayin, central Israel, after being held captive alongside his elder brother Yair, who was freed in February 2025.
The release of Elkana Bohbot, 36, was a poignant moment as his family and friends gathered to witness his return from Hamas captivity. Bohbot, a producer of the Supernova music festival, was tragically killed along with 370 others in the October 7 Hamas attack.
Matan Zangauker, 25, was emotionally reunited with his mother after being held captive since the October 7, 2023 attacks. In a heartwarming video from December 2024, he described the hardships faced by him and fellow hostages while in captivity.
Gali Berman, one of the twin brothers abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, was seen smiling in a warm embrace following his release. His neighbor, Emily Damari, who was released earlier, shared details of their captivity experience.
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