Israel-Hamas Deal: 20 Hostages Set for Release After 2 Years

In a significant development two years after the October 7 massacre, Israel anticipates the release of 20 living hostages from Hamas captivity, crediting the heroism and determination of IDF fighters who risked their lives in Gaza. The nation is holding its breath amid reports that the terror organization may complicate the return of deceased hostages.

The hostages expected to return home include: Matan Angrest, Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Yosef Chaim Ohana, Avinatan Or, Avitar David, Elkana Bohbot, Gali Berman, Segev Kalfon, Rom Braslavsky, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Matan Tsengauker, Eitan Horn, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, Bar Kupershtein, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran, David Cunio, and Ariel Cunio.

The final agreement is slated for signing in Egypt at 12:00 noon, at which point the ceasefire will take effect. A cabinet meeting is scheduled for 3:00 PM to approve the deal, followed immediately by a government session. Within 24 hours, Israeli forces will withdraw to the designated "yellow line" established during negotiations.

The 20 living hostages are to be released together within 72 hours.

Under the terms of the first phase, the hostages' release comes in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from 50% of Gaza's territory and the freeing of terrorists from security prisons. Details on which terrorists will be released remain unclear, though Arab reports indicate Hamas pushed for senior figures like Marwan Barghouti. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that no "terror symbols" will be freed.

The subsequent phases of the deal face uncertainty. Israel estimates that Hamas will not be able to locate and return all remaining deceased hostages, according to three senior Israeli sources who spoke with CNN.

Matan Angrest, a 22-year-old Israeli soldier, was captured by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, while serving in a tank near the Gaza border. His family released footage showing the moment he was pulled from the tank during the attack, highlighting the chaos of the invasion. His family fears for his physical and mental health after being denied basic care by Hamas. Doctors have confirmed that he will likely suffer from lifelong injuries because of the Hamas attack and subsequent horrific abuse.

Ziv Berman, 27, is one of the twin brothers abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023. Along with his brother Gali, he turned 28 while in captivity, marking their second birthday held by Hamas. The twins were kidnapped from their home during the assault, and their family has expressed immense relief at the prospect of their imminent release under the new deal.

Alon Ohel, 23, was taken hostage from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Recently, medical experts confirmed he is blind in one eye due to conditions in captivity, as revealed in a Hamas propaganda video. A former hostage who was held with him reported his survival, and his family has campaigned tirelessly for his return.

Yosef Chaim Ohana, 24, was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. He appeared in a sadistic Hamas video alongside another hostage, Elkana Bohbot, pleading for release. As one of the hostages still believed to be alive after two years, his family awaits confirmation of his condition amid the ceasefire agreement.

Avinatan Or, 31, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, alongside his girlfriend Noa Argamani, who was later rescued. He remains among the hostages believed to be alive, with ongoing efforts to secure his release through diplomatic channels, including the recent Trump-brokered deal.

Evyatar David, 24, was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Hamas released a haunting video showing him emaciated and pleading for help, which his family described as evidence of starvation and torture. His brother has shared details of the capture, emphasizing the urgency of his return.

Elkana Bohbot, 35, was taken from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, along with his wife. His mother has publicly expressed frustration over conflicting reports on hostage statuses. He appeared in a Hamas video with Yosef Chaim Ohana.

Gali Berman, 27, is the twin brother of Ziv Berman, both abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023. The brothers spent their second birthday in captivity, and their aunt has voiced overwhelming joy at the news of their impending release.

Segev Kalfon, 27, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. His family received a sign of life in February 2025, and details of his time in captivity describe harsh conditions. He is set to be among the first released in the phased agreement.

Rom Braslavsky, 21, was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and is held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. A video released by the group showed him emaciated, prompting his family to condemn the conditions and plead for his safe return.

Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 23, was taken hostage from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. He was forced to watch the release of other hostages in a video alongside Evyatar David, highlighting the psychological torment endured.

His mother said, “The main thing is that my son should come back healthy and on his own two feet ... That’s what I wish for all of us ... And the experiences that they will have afterward will be amazing. Because we got him back again, a gift, one of the most amazing children in the world. A dream. A gift. Finally, this saga, of the war, the injured, the dead, this pain of our heroic soldiers who gave their souls for us [is coming to an end], and the hostages, the victory, that they are all coming home and I hope the slain hostages will all return at the same time, and that we can close this circle.”

Matan Tsengauker, 25, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, along with his girlfriend, who was later released. New footage showed him in captivity, and his mother reported finding a note from him in a Gaza tunnel. His mother has campaigned non-stop for his release.

Einav Tsengauker at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as a hostage release is announced. October 09, 2025. (Photo by Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

Eitan Horn, 38, an Argentinian-Israeli citizen, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, with his brother Yair, who was released earlier. Eitan works in education and remains in Gaza, with his family confirming a recent sign of life. Yair is incredibly worried about Eitan, who was displaying signs of emotional breakdown as a result of his shocking captivity conditions.

Maxim Herkin, 36, a dual Russian-Israeli citizen, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. He appeared in Hamas videos bandaged and pleading, with his family authorizing releases to raise awareness.

Nimrod Cohen, 20, an IDF soldier, was abducted from a tank on October 7, 2023. His family released footage of the kidnapping, and he is the sole survivor from his crew. IDF soldiers were treated particularly viciously by Hamas.

Bar Kupershtein, 23, was taken from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. He appeared in a Hamas video with Maxim Herkin, begging for release. His family has shared snippets to highlight his plight.

Eitan Mor, 24, was working as a security guard at the Nova music festival when abducted on October 7, 2023. His family received a sign of life in February 2025, confirming he is unarmed and held captive.

Omri Miran, 47, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023. A therapist and father of two young daughters, his wife has shared the heartbreak of his absence over two years, urging completion of the deal for his return.

David Cunio, 34, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, along with his wife and daughters, who were released. A freed hostage confirmed he is alive, and a documentary is in production about his family's story.

Ariel Cunio, 27, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, with his partner. He is the brother of David Cunio, and both remain in captivity, with their family reflecting on the two-year ordeal in recent interviews.

Although we hope and pray that we will welcome home all 20 of these hostages soon, the IDF and Israeli government fear that two of them are in imminent danger and may not still be alive.