Context: The looming release of hostages in Gaza
As negotiations continue and a high-stakes handover unfolds, Israel is preparing to receive 48 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Officials say a portion of those captives are alive and in need of medical care, while others are to be returned to their families after lengthy captivity. The development comes amid international efforts to supervise exchanges and ensure humanitarian access to Gaza.
Who are the hostages believed to be alive?
Officials and media reporting indicate that 20 of the remaining hostages are believed to be alive. Among them are: Ariel Cunio, 28, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October with his brother; Evyatar David, 24, who was at the Nova festival and texted about the attack; and Gali and Ziv Berman, 28-year-old twins taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Also on the list is Omri Miran, 48, the oldest surviving captive, taken from his home in Nahal Oz.
Other names include Matan Angrest (22), Matan Zangauker (25), Nimrod Cohen (21), Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24), Yosef-Chaim Ohana (25), Elkana Bohbot (36), Avinatan Or (32), Eitan Mor (25), Bar Kupershtein (23), Segev Kalfon (27), and Rom Braslabski (21). Notably, three hostages hold multiple nationalities: Eitan Horn (Israeli-Argentine), Maxim Herkin (Israel-Russian), and Alon Ohel (Israeli-German-Serbian).
The information around identities and nationalities has been pieced together from family statements, official disclosures, and coordinated release logistics. Israeli authorities have stressed that the handover process will resemble previous exchanges, with the Red Cross overseeing custody transfer and then escort to medical facilities as needed.
The release process and what to expect
According to established procedures, the hostages will be moved from Gaza into Israel via a controlled handover. They will be transported to reception points and then flown to hospitals for medical assessment or treatment if required. The operation is designed to minimize risk to the hostages, with rapid medical access a priority given the duration of captivity and the potential for health complications.
Hospital care is expected to be followed by reunions with families, who have waited at designated gathering points such as Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square. The square has become a symbol of the families’ endurance, with supporters prepared to welcome home loved ones as soon as they cross the border.
Why the release matters in the broader conflict
While the immediate focus is on medical care and family reunions, the broader context is a ceasefire framework brokered with international support. The release is tied to a wider agreement that includes the release of Palestinian detainees and ongoing humanitarian support for Gaza. The situation remains delicate, with security concerns, regional diplomacy, and the political dynamics of leadership in both Israel and Hamas continuing to shape the timeline.
What Trump’s remarks add to the moment
Amid the hostages’ release process, former U.S. President Donald Trump described the Gaza situation as “over” in comments tied to a Middle East visit. His phrasing drew attention to the shifting narratives around the conflict and underscored the role of international actors in shaping momentum toward a lasting framework for peace. Analysts note that such remarks can influence public perception, even as the practical steps of releasing hostages and ensuring their safety unfold on the ground.
What comes next
As the hostages begin their return, families and officials will watch for the full details: exactly who is released, how many are returned, and the medical status of each captive. The release will be followed by a broader dialogue on the peace process, security arrangements, and aid distribution to Gaza. The world will continue to monitor the situation closely as two years of war move toward a potential new phase.
