Washington D.C. – October 13, 2025 – Hostage Aid Worldwide celebrates the historic peace deal that includes the release of all 48 hostages held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, including the civilians who tragically lost their lives in captivity. The agreement also provides for the return of approximately 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences, and around 1,700 detainees from Gaza currently held without charge.
The twenty living hostages who were thankfully freed today are: Israeli-Columbian Elkana Bohbot, Israeli-Bulgarian Matan Angrest, Israeli Avinatan Or, Israeli Yosef-Haim Ohana, Israeli-Serbian-German Alon Ohel, Israeli Evyatar David, Israeli Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Israeli Rom Braslavski, Israeli-Germans Gali and Ziv Berman, Israeli Eitan Mor, Israeli Segev Kalfon, Israeli Nimrod Cohen, Israeli-Russian Maxim Herkin, Israeli-Argentinian Eitan Horn, Israeli Matan Zangauker, Israeli Bar Kupershtein, Israeli-Argentinians David and Ariel Cunio, and Israeli-Hungarian Omri Miran.
The bodies of Nepalese Bipin Joshi, Israeli-Portuguese Yossi Sharabi, Israeli-South African Daniel Peretz, and Israeli Guy Illouz have been returned and can finally be laid to rest.
24 bodies of hostages remain in captivity. Our hearts are with their families who are suffering immeasurable pain and who deserve to lay their loved ones to rest with dignity and honor.
The release of these hostages comes after months of intense and determined efforts by President Trump, governments, humanitarian organizations, and negotiators worldwide.
Over the past two years, Hostage Aid worked tirelessly with the EU, the UN, U.S. officials, and various governments and partners to raise awareness of the humanitarian dimension of this crisis, beyond any political considerations, and to encourage international action for the release of the hostages. In parallel, Hostage Aid closely supported hostage families and consistently advocated for the freedom of all hostages held in Gaza. Alongside others, Hostage Aid’s efforts helped draw global attention to the humanitarian aspect and plight of the hostages, the unacceptable crime of hostage-taking and the pressing responsibility and obligation to do what is right no matter the circumstances. Today, Hostage Aid is deeply relieved that the long-awaited day has finally arrived.
“We are profoundly grateful for the safe return of all hostages and await the solemn return of all those who were killed, namely Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen whose families deserve closure and proper burial for their loved ones,” said Nizar Zakka, President of Hostage Aid. “This historic moment, made possible through the tireless efforts of President Trump and his administration as well as the international community, demonstrates what can be achieved when humanitarian priorities are placed above all else. After 2 years of fear and uncertainty, the hostages are finally returning home, and their families can at last experience the relief they have been waiting for and the start of a new journey of healing and reintegration.”
Hostage Aid celebrates the bravery and resilience of the released hostages, as well as the unwavering perseverance of their families. Today marks the end of a long and painful chapter, with the ceasefire bringing hope, relief, and the promise of peace.
Hostage Aid deeply thanks and commends President Trump for hearing the calls of hostage families, making their loved ones’ release a priority, and taking decisive action to bring them home.
We urge the Trump Administration to continue this crucial work and to keep reuniting families torn apart by this inhumane practice.
