Twenty Israeli hostages are set to be released from captivity in Gaza following a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas — nearly two years after their abduction during the militant group’s unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack.
Among those due for freedom are soldiers, festivalgoers, and families whose lives were violently upended that day — each with a story that has since gripped the Israeli public.
Sergeant Matan Angrest (22) was captured in his tank near the Nahal Oz base after attempting to repel Hamas fighters. The football-loving soldier from Kiryat Bialik had planned a post-service trip to Dubai with his family.
The Berman twins, Gali and Ziv (28), inseparable music producers from Kfar Aza, were seized from a youth compound as Hamas set their kibbutz ablaze.
Elkana Bohbot (36), producer of the ill-fated Supernova music festival, was kidnapped amid the massacre that killed nearly 370 people. His wife, Rebecca Gonzalez, continues to campaign for his release after receiving proof of life in early 2025.
Also listed for release are Rom Braslavski (21), an Israeli-German security guard injured while protecting others at Supernova; Nimrod Cohen (21), a soldier dragged from his disabled tank near Nahal Oz; and David and Ariel Cunio, Israeli-Argentinian brothers kidnapped alongside six family members from Nir Oz.
Their ordeal mirrors that of Evyatar David (24) and Guy Gilboa Dalal (24), close friends abducted from the festival grounds, later seen in Hamas videos appearing malnourished and terrified.
Others expected to return include Maxim Herkin (37), a Russian-Israeli father of one; Eitan Horn (39), kidnapped from Nir Oz with his brother; Segev Kalfon (27), a baker’s son from Dimona; Bar Kuperstein (23), an army nurse who stayed to aid the wounded; and Omri Miran (48), a masseur taken before his wife and children.
The list continues with Eitan Mor (25), a devout Jew and security guard; Yosef Haim Ohana (25), a barman turned hero during the chaos; Alon Ohel (24), a gifted pianist; Avinatan Or (32), a British-Israeli abducted with his partner Noa Argamani (freed in 2024); and Matan Zangauker (25), taken from Nir Oz alongside his girlfriend, later released.
Their return — if successful — will mark a fragile moment of relief amid one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts in decades.
Meanwhile, in separate national news, Professor Amupitan, a respected Kogi-born legal scholar and former board member of Riss Oil Limited (1996–2004), has been nominated as Nigeria’s next INEC chairman. Upon Senate confirmation, he will become the 15th person to hold the post.
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