The Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday, October 13th, that it had received seven hostages released from Gaza after they were handed to the Red Cross earlier in the day. The released captives were identified as Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Eitan Mor, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Gali and Ziv Berman, and Omri Miran.
Later this morning the International Red Cross confirmed that it had received all hostages. The group was released in two batches, with a second group of 13 hostages transferred in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, Israeli public media reported.
“We’ve been waiting 738 days to say this: Welcome home,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X, marking the end of more than two years of uncertainty for the families of those taken captive during the October 7th, 2023 Hamas pogrom.
Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where hundreds of Israelis erupted in joy, tears, and song as news broke that the terrorist group Hamas had handed over the first group of hostages to be freed. Many carried Israeli flags and yellow ribbons—symbols of the national campaign calling for the hostages’ return.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the news of the release of the first group, posting:
With thanks to God we welcome our loved ones. We are waiting for everyone—every last one.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum stressed that the struggle continues. “Our struggle is not over. It will not end until the last hostage is located and returned for proper burial. This is our moral obligation.Only then will the people of Israel be whole.” the group said.
European Union chief diplomat Kaja Kallas, also welcomed the release, calling it “a crucial milestone towards peace,” and credited President Donald Trump for his decisive role. “President Trump made this breakthrough possible,” she posted on X.
