13 more hostages freed by Hamas, return to Israel
Tel Aviv [Israel], October 13: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that 13 additional hostages freed by Hamas are currently being escorted back to Israel after being handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
According to the IDF, the released individuals are being accompanied by teams from the IDF and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) as they travel for initial medical examinations upon arrival in Israel.
“The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and warmly welcome the returning hostages as they make their way home,” the military said in an official statement, marking the end of their prolonged captivity.
The Red Cross earlier informed Israeli authorities that the group had been safely transferred from Hamas custody and was en route to Israeli territory.
The freed hostages have been identified as Elkana Bohbot, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Evyatar David, Rom Braslavski, Segev Kalfon, Nimrod Cohen, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Matan Zangauker, Bar Kupershtein, David Cunio, and Ariel Cunio.
They will undergo medical and psychological assessments before reuniting with their families at reception centers in southern Israel.
The IDF has appealed to the public and media to respect the privacy of the freed individuals and their families during this sensitive time, urging everyone to rely solely on verified official information.
Earlier in the day, the military confirmed that seven other hostages had been transferred to the Red Cross and escorted by Israeli special forces to safety. The first group, identified as Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal, was taken to an IDF facility near Re’im for medical evaluation and emotional support before being reunited with their families.
Emotional footage broadcast by Israeli media showed family members speaking with their loved ones via video calls ahead of their physical reunion.
The Prime Minister’s Office reaffirmed in a statement that Israel remains committed to securing the release of all remaining hostages, pledging to “pursue this mission with determination and persistence” while embracing those who have finally returned home.
