On Monday, Hamas returned all 20 surviving Israeli hostages as part of a peace agreement facilitated by the Trump administration.
In a related move, Israel released over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners on the same day, marking a significant step towards ending hostilities in Gaza. Additionally, Hamas agreed to return the remains of 28 deceased hostages from the total of 251 taken during the incident on October 7, 2023.
Here’s a brief overview of the 20 surviving hostages.
Aron Orwell
Orwell was taken from a bomb shelter at the Nova Music Festival, alongside Hersh Goldberg Pollin, an Israeli-American who sadly lost his life during the hostage situation. Before his abduction, Aron had aimed to pursue jazz studies at the Rimon Music School. Interestingly, he holds German and Serbian citizenship.
Ariel and David Kunio
The two brothers, aged 28 and 35, were kidnapped from their home in Nir Oz Kibbutz. Ariel’s partner and David’s wife, along with their daughters, were also among the previous releases. Ariel works in quality assurance for an IT firm, while David is an electrician known for his role in a 2013 film.
Abinathan Oru
The 32-year-old was taken during the Nova Music Festival alongside his partner, Noah Algamani. Reports indicate that Noah was rescued in June 2024 during an Israeli operation. Abinathan works as an electronics engineer and has dedicated time to volunteer work with young cancer patients.
Bar Abraham Kuperstein
Kuperstein, 23, was also taken from the Nova Music Festival. He served in the IDF’s Nahal Brigade. His father had been an emergency medical volunteer but had to step back after an injury. During his father’s rehabilitation, Bar managed the family’s falafel shop.
Elkanah Bobot
Bobot, 36, was working as a logistics coordinator at the festival when he was taken. He is a resident of Mebaseret Sion and a parent to a 5-year-old son known for being immensely helpful to others.
Eitan Horn
Horn, 39, was abducted from his brother’s home in Nir Oz. His brother was released earlier in the year. Eitan immigrated to Israel from Argentina in 2002 and works in education.
Eitan Abraham Mol
Mol, 25, was part of the security team at the Nova Music Festival when he was captured. Having grown up in Kiryat Arba, he is the eldest of seven siblings and had previously assisted in evacuating the injured at the festival.
Evyatar David
David, 24, was also taken from the music festival. He was once a guitarist and gymnast, and disturbing reports indicated that his health had severely declined during captivity.
Gari and Jiv Barman
The 28-year-old twin brothers were taken from different locations. Gari was abducted from his home while Jiv was captured elsewhere in the kibbutz. They are both German citizens and share a passion for soccer and technical work.
Guy Gilboa Dalal
Dalal, 24, was also taken at the festival. Before the attack, he had been learning Japanese and enjoyed music and soccer. He attended the event with his brother, who also survived the ordeal.
Maxim Harkin
Harkin, 37, was abducted while working at the Nova Music Festival. Originally from Ukraine, he moved to Israel and is a father to a daughter named Monica.
Sergeant Major Matan Angrest
Angrest, an IDF tank driver, was captured in battle. His family had been vocal about his case, citing reports of torture during his captivity.
Matan Zangauker
Zangauker, 25, was taken from his home along with his partner. Known as “Tonton” by his family, he plays a vital role for his younger sisters and has plans for a future with Ilana.
Corporal Nimrod Cohen
Cohen, 20, was abducted while serving as a gunner in the IDF. He is the only survivor from his tank crew.
Omri Milan
Milan, 48, was taken from his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz during a harrowing incident where his family was also threatened. After being freed, he was recorded waving to his family from the hospital.
Rom Blaslavski
Blaslavski, 21, a musician, was also taken from the festival while working as security. He had been instrumental in saving lives during the attack and was later shown in a distressing state in a video released by Hamas.
Segev Calfon
Calfon, 27, was abducted at the festival. He worked in his family’s bakery and had recently been dealing with anxiety issues following a traumatic event.
Joseph Chaim Ohana
Ohana, 25, was captured while attempting to escape the festival. He has a rich background in bar management and was shown in a video alongside another captive.
