All Israeli Hostages Freed After 738 Days of Hamas Captivity

After 738 days of suffering and uncertainty, all surviving Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks have been safely returned to Israel. The release marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against terrorism, one that reflects not only military and diplomatic effort but also the enduring strength of a people grounded in faith, family, and national unity. The hostages—some of whom were held in conditions of extreme hardship—have now been reunited with their loved ones, their return a powerful affirmation of the values that sustain a free and righteous society.

The first group of seven hostages, including Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal, were transferred to the care of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza. The ICRC, committed to protecting human dignity, did not release images of the process, emphasizing the need for privacy and safety during such a sensitive transition. This restraint underscored the gravity of the moment and the importance of treating each individual with the respect they deserve.

Later, additional hostages—including Elkana Bohbot, Avinatan Or, and Yosef-Haim Ohana—were also released. The full return of the living captives is a rare and significant achievement, especially given the history of failed negotiations and stalled diplomacy. It is the first time since 2014 that Hamas has not held any living Israelis as captives. The organization is now expected to return the remains of 28 hostages who lost their lives in captivity, a somber reminder of the human cost of extremism.

This outcome is not merely a tactical success but a moral one. It demonstrates that when a nation remains steadfast in its principles, refuses to be broken by fear, and acts with purpose and integrity, it can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Israel’s response has been guided not by vengeance, but by a deep commitment to life, justice, and the sanctity of the family. The government’s decision to prioritize the safe return of hostages over political posturing reflects a leadership rooted in responsibility and faith.

Hamas’s strategy of using hostages as leverage has been exposed for what it truly is: a weapon of terror designed to exploit global sympathy and sow division. The failure of this approach is now undeniable. No amount of propaganda or international pressure could change the fact that the use of innocent lives as bargaining chips only leads to isolation and defeat. The international community, too often slow to recognize the reality of radical extremism, must now reckon with the truth: terrorism cannot be negotiated away. It must be confronted with clarity and courage.

This moment also reaffirms the importance of national unity and moral conviction. In times of crisis, it is not ideology or convenience that holds a society together—it is shared values, faith in a higher purpose, and the enduring bonds of family and community. The return of the hostages is not just a political victory; it is a spiritual one. It reminds us that even in the darkest hours, hope endures when people remain faithful to what is right.

As Israel begins the long process of healing and rebuilding, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose. The world must recognize that true security comes not from appeasement, but from strength, integrity, and a willingness to defend the innocent. This victory is not only for Israel—it is for every person who believes in the dignity of life, the importance of truth, and the power of faith to sustain a nation through trial.

Published: 10/13/2025