WEB DESK: The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has accused Hamas of violating the Gaza ceasefire agreement after the terror group announced it would only release four of the 28 slain hostages on Monday, despite the deal. In contrast, Israel and the families celebrated as Hamas released the 20 living hostages who had been held for more than two years.
The release took place under a ceasefire arrangement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, who traveled to Israel to witness the event. However, Hamas has yet to deliver the remains of the 28 individuals killed, despite being obligated to do so as part of the agreement. This failure has added to the trauma stemming from Hamas’s capture of 251 hostages following the October 7, 2023, massacre that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths.
The first group of seven hostages Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, Guy Gilboa-Dallal, and twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman—were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City’s northern district at around 8 a.m. They were subsequently transferred to Israeli forces within Gaza approximately an hour later.
A second group of 13 hostages Elkana Bohbot, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Evyatar David, Rom Braslavski, Segev Kalfon, Nimrod Cohen, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Matan Zangauker, Bar Kupershtein, and brothers David and Ariel Cunio were handed over at the Red Cross in Khan Younis in southern Gaza shortly before 11 a.m. and were also transferred to Israeli forces within an hour.
Despite their ordeal, the released hostages appeared pale and frail but managed to smile and stand. Many had endured harsh conditions in tunnels deep beneath Gaza, where they faced abuse, starvation, and limited medical care.Each hostage was initially taken to the Re’im border crossing, where family members embraced them in emotional reunions. Following medical assessments at Re’im, the hostages were transported by military helicopter to hospitals across central Israel for treatment and recovery. Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar personally flew the helicopter carrying Cohen and his family to Sourasky Medical Center, according to military sources.
Footage released by the IDF showed tearful and jubilant family reunions in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, with crowds cheering and waving Israeli flags in celebration. Tens of thousands gathered in Hostages Square, waving flags, singing, and dancing, while others lined the streets as the freed captives were transported to the Re’im base and the hospitals.
In a heartfelt message, Ohad Ben Ami, who was released in February after enduring Hamas captivity, addressed the newly freed hostages: “Elkana, Yosef, Bar, Segev, Maxim, my brothers, I love you. The entire nation of Israel has been waiting for you, and I’ve been waiting for this moment. We will finally reunite and do everything we planned. You will recover—you’ll see, I’ve regained all my weight. I am so proud of you. I love you!” Prior to their release, Hamas arranged video calls between the captives and their families. The footage showed the hostages with Hamas gunmen, wearing fake military uniforms an image used in propaganda during earlier ceasefire ceremonies. Israel strongly demanded that Hamas refrain from such staged events this time.
