The joyful mother of one of the Israeli hostages expressed her happiness as she reassured her son that he would soon be free from the grip of Hamas after spending two years in captivity. Matan Zangauker, 25, is among the 20 Israeli hostages who were set free and handed over to the Red Cross today, following their abduction by Hamas during a cross-border incident on October 7, 2023.
In a heartwarming video call, Matan’s mother, Einav, fought back tears of joy as she delivered the message to her son that he and the others were finally coming home to peace without the shadow of war. Einav had tirelessly advocated for her son’s release over the past two years, urging the government led by Benjamin Netanyahu to do everything possible to secure their freedom. Matan’s partner, Ilana Gritzewsky, who was also taken captive with him, had been released a month after their abduction in November 2023.
Following the signing of a significant ceasefire agreement, the Red Cross confirmed receiving seven Israeli hostages, including Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. These former captives were transferred to Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza via Red Cross vehicles and are now on their way to the Rei’im base in southern Israel for medical treatment and reunions with their families after more than 700 days apart.
US President Donald Trump was anticipated to arrive in Tel Aviv to claim credit for his 20-point peace deal that facilitated the end of the conflict before proceeding to a Middle East summit. In Tel Aviv, cars honked in celebration as the hostages reached safety, while forensic teams prepared to receive the remains of deceased hostages later in the day.
The day marked a significant moment as Israelis gathered at Hostage Square, where the Bring Them Home campaign had tirelessly campaigned for the hostages’ release. As the Israeli hostages crossed the border back into their country, hundreds of Palestinians were also set for release from prisons to be repatriated to Gaza or sent into exile abroad.
Hamas had agreed to exchange 20 living hostages for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, with reports suggesting that around 25 hostages in Gaza had tragically lost their lives during the ordeal.