Hamas Frees All Surviving Hostages After 737 Days in Captivity as Two-Year Gaza War Ends

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

In a historic development marking the end of the two-year Gaza war, Hamas has released all remaining surviving hostages under a ceasefire and prisoner-exchange agreement with Israel.

Freedom After 737 Days

According to Israeli authorities, all 20 surviving captives have now been freed after 737 days in Hamas captivity. The first group of seven hostages — Gali and Ziv Berman (28 and 27), Matan Angrest (22), Alon Ohel (24), Omri Miran (47), Eitan Mor (25) and Guy Gilboa-Dallal (23) — were handed over to the Israeli Defense Forces inside Gaza and are being taken to hospitals for medical evaluation and reunion with their families.

Shortly after, a second group of 13 hostages was released to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and escorted out of Gaza through the Rafah corridor.

Scenes of Relief and Celebration

Israel television broadcast the first images of freed captives, showing Gali Berman and Alon Ohel speaking with Israeli soldiers moments after crossing into safety. In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, families erupted in joy as the news broke, waving flags and chanting prayers of thanksgiving.

“After 737 days of agony, our loved ones are finally home,” one relative said amid tears and cheers outside the Sheba Medical Center.

Exchange Includes Return of 28 Hostage Remains

Israeli officials confirmed that the deal also requires the return of the remains of 28 deceased hostages alongside the release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Authorities said not all remains are expected to be delivered immediately, citing ongoing coordination with mediators and recovery teams inside Gaza.

Trump in Israel for Peace Talks

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Sunday morning while the hostage handover was underway. The American leader is expected to meet with relatives of freed and deceased hostages before addressing Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, later today. He will then travel to Egypt for a regional peace summit aimed at consolidating the truce and launching post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

A Fragile New Chapter

The release marks a major turning point in the Middle East conflict, formally bringing to a close the two-year war that has devastated Gaza and strained regional diplomacy. International observers describe the moment as “a fragile step toward peace,” warning that reconciliation and reconstruction will require unprecedented cooperation between Israel, Egypt, and Palestinian authorities.

Freed hostages seen speaking with Israeli soldiers inside Gaza moments before evacuation — The Bureau News.

— The Bureau News | Nigeria News Today

Today’s Food Prices in Lagos & Abuja