Twenty Israeli hostages held in Gaza are expected to return home on Monday as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The hostages were taken during Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023 attack—the worst in Israel’s history.
Hamas’s armed wing released the names of those being freed on its Telegram channel. Among them are soldiers, civilians, and festivalgoers kidnapped from the Supernova music festival and nearby communities. Their stories reveal the personal tragedies and hopes that have defined the long months of captivity.
They include 22-year-old soldier Matan Angrest, taken from his tank near Gaza; the Berman twins, abducted from Kfar Aza; and Elkana Bohbot, a festival producer. Others, like Rom Braslavski and Bar Kuperstein, were young men who tried to help others during the chaos.
Families of the captives have campaigned tirelessly for their release, holding vigils and protests across Israel. The ceasefire deal brings relief but also deep emotion, as many of the freed hostages return in fragile health.
The release marks one of the most significant breakthroughs since the war began, giving hope to families still waiting for their loved ones.
