The emotional reunion of the hostages freed by Hamas and their families

After 738 days of captivity in the Gaza Strip, Israel has recovered 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 people kidnapped by Hamas
<p>El rehén israelí liberado, Matan Zangauker, se reúne con su madre, Einav Zangauker, tras estar retenido en Gaza desde el letal ataque perpetrado por Hamás el 7 de octubre de 2023, como parte de un intercambio de prisioneros y rehenes y un acuerdo de alto el fuego entre Israel y Hamás, en Reim, Israel, el 13 de octubre de 2025 - PHOTO/ Fuerzas de Defensa de Israel vía REUTERS</p>
Released Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker is reunited with his mother, Einav Zangauker, after being held in Gaza since the deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, as part of a prisoner and hostage exchange and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in Reim, Israel, October 13, 2025 - PHOTO/Israel Defense Forces via REUTERS
  1. The release operation and its significance
  2. Peace strategies and political agreements
  3. Regional impact and international responses

The Hostage Square in Tel Aviv was transformed into a scene of deep emotion, where hundreds of people gathered to witness the arrival of those who had been freed. The departure of the former hostages from the Palestinian enclave, after a prolonged captivity, marked an event of great political and social significance, evidencing a significant change in the dynamics of the conflict affecting the region. 

This mass gathering not only represented a family reunion for those who had been separated by the conflict, but also a solemn ceremony attended by senior Israeli officials. The atmosphere, charged with emotion and solemnity, reflected the complexity of a process that involved intense negotiations and a strategic agreement to promote peace. 

<p>El rehén liberado Eitan Horn, quien fue secuestrado durante el mortal ataque del 7 de octubre de 2023 por Hamás y llevado a Gaza, gesticula al llegar al Centro Médico Sourasky (Ichilov), en medio de un intercambio de rehenes por prisioneros y un acuerdo de alto el fuego entre Israel y Hamás en Gaza, en Tel Aviv, Israel, el 13 de octubre de 2025 - REUTERS/ RONEN ZVULUN </p>
Freed hostage Eitan Horn, who was kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and taken to Gaza, gestures as he arrives at the Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center, amid a hostages-for-prisoners exchange and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 13, 2025 - REUTERS/ RONEN ZVULUN

After months of uncertainty, the anxiety experienced by family members and authorities dissipated with the confirmation of the release. This event was followed with international attention, highlighting the role of diplomacy in resolving situations that had long seemed immovable. 

Accordingly, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published a list of the names, ages and motive or place of killing of all those civilians who lost their lives at the hands of Hamas militants on 7 October 2023.

The release operation and its significance

The departure of the former hostages from the Gaza Strip to Tel Aviv is a significant milestone in the evolution of the conflict between Israel and various Palestinian groups. This action was preceded by a carefully planned operation, which sought to ensure the safety and smooth running of the transfer. Coordination between national forces and diplomatic teams was essential to the success of the mission. 

In addition to symbolising the culmination of a complex procedure, the release also emphasises the official willingness to move towards solutions that prioritise life and human rights. The direct participation of the State of Israel in receiving those released highlights the importance attached to this event in the current political context. 

<p>El rehén liberado Eitan Abraham Mor, quien fue secuestrado durante el ataque mortal del 7 de octubre de 2023 por Hamás y llevado a Gaza, reacciona a su llegada al Centro Médico Rabin-Hospital Beilinson, en medio de un intercambio de rehenes y prisioneros y un acuerdo de alto el fuego entre Israel y Hamás en Gaza, en Petah Tikva, Israel, el 13 de octubre de 2025 - REUTERS/ STOYAN NENOV</p>
Freed hostage Eitan Abraham Mor, who was kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and taken to Gaza, reacts upon his arrival at the Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, amid an exchange of hostages and prisoners and a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Petah Tikva, Israel, October 13, 2025 - REUTERS/ STOYAN NENOV

The release included a total of 1,718 Gaza residents detained after the attack on 7 October, along with the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners. The latter were serving sentences for acts classified as terrorist, which is why their release was approached with extreme caution and under strict bilateral agreements. 

This exchange represents much more than a simple humanitarian action. It reflects a conscious attempt to manage a situation that leads to the reduction of tensions and the gradual building of trust between the parties involved. The measure can be considered a key element in regional strategic security management

Peace strategies and political agreements

This event is part of a broader framework of diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a definitive end to the conflict. The truce agreed with Hamas is the result of lengthy negotiations in which the release of detainees served as a fundamental element of compensation and guarantee. 

<p>El rehén liberado Guy Gilboa-Dalal, quien fue secuestrado durante el ataque mortal del 7 de octubre de 2023 por Hamás y llevado a Gaza, reacciona a su llegada al Centro Médico Rabin-Hospital Beilinson, en medio de un intercambio de rehenes y prisioneros y un acuerdo de alto el fuego entre Israel y Hamás en Gaza, en Petah Tikva, Israel, el 13 de octubre de 2025 - REUTERS/ STOYAN NENOV</p>
Freed hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who was kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and taken to Gaza, reacts upon his arrival at the Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, amid an exchange of hostages and prisoners and a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Petah Tikva, Israel, October 13, 2025 - REUTERS/ STOYAN NENOV

The Israeli government authorised the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of a package negotiated with multiple stakeholders. Such strategies seek not only to halt the escalation of violence, but also to open channels for dialogue, with the hope of preventing future clashes and building a climate of understanding. 

Within this process, the partial withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip is particularly significant. This action is interpreted as a sign of political will to reduce pressure on the sensitive area, while promoting openness to future negotiations that could consolidate stability.  

Supported by an initiative presented by US President Donald Trump, this peace plan has the backing of multiple Arab countries and Muslim-majority countries. Its objective is to lay the foundations for a comprehensive resolution that will allow peaceful coexistence and sustained development in the Middle East. 

<p>El rehén liberado Alon Ohel, quien fue secuestrado durante el mortal ataque del 7 de octubre de 2023 por Hamás y llevado a Gaza, hace un gesto a su llegada al Centro Médico Rabin-Hospital Beilinson, en medio de un intercambio de rehenes por prisioneros y un acuerdo de alto el fuego entre Israel y Hamás en Gaza, en Petah Tikva, Israel, el 13 de octubre de 2025 - REUTERS/ STOYAN NENOV</p>
Freed hostage Alon Ohel, who was kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and taken to Gaza, gestures upon his arrival at the Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, amid a hostages-for-prisoners swap and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Petah Tikva, Israel, October 13, 2025 - REUTERS/ STOYAN NENOV

Regional impact and international responses

The implementation of these measures has generated mixed reactions in the regional and international arena. On the one hand, certain Arab countries are optimistic about the progress that could lead to a period of peace in the medium term, especially for civilian populations that have been affected by the conflict for decades. 

On the other hand, organisations and actors linked to the Palestinian cause are keeping a close watch on compliance with the agreed terms, cautiously observing that the release and other agreements are not used to legitimise actions that perpetuate inequalities or undermine fundamental rights. 

<p>Los rehenes liberados, los hermanos Cunio, Ariel y David, que fueron secuestrados durante el mortal ataque del 7 de octubre de 2023 por Hamas y llevados a Gaza, llegan al Centro Médico Sheba, en medio de un alto el fuego entre Israel y Hamas en Gaza, en Ramat Gan, Israel, el 13 de octubre de 2025 - REUTERS/ HANNAH McKAY</p>
The freed hostages, brothers Cunio, Ariel and David, who were kidnapped during the deadly 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas and taken to Gaza, arrive at the Sheba Medical Center, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Ramat Gan, Israel October 13, 2025 - REUTERS/ HANNAH McKAY

The international community, including multilateral organisations, has repeatedly called for respect for the signed treaties, emphasising the need to maintain the commitment to progressive disarmament and the creation of conditions for lasting peace

In this context, future negotiations are shaping up to be decisive in consolidating and expanding areas of cooperation. The stabilisation of the conflict will depend largely on rigorous monitoring, transparency and the political will of all parties to uphold the agreements. 

Finally, the situation highlights that long-term solutions to complex conflicts require not only state action but also the participation of civil society, community leaders and multilateral diplomacy, promoting open dialogue and mutual respect.