How freed hostages have been transformed by a two-year nightmare
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Israeli hostages finally released from Hamas captivity look shockingly different as they are reunited with their families after 738 days in Gaza.

The 20 remaining living hostages were released on Monday, two years after being kidnapped when Hamas launched its deadly raid on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage.

They were finally returned following the Donald Trump-brokered deal between Israel and Hamas, which aims to bring an end to the devastating war in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of people and unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe.

In emotional scenes, captives reunited with parents, families, friends and loved ones. 

Families, who have spent every day since October 7 fighting for their release from grueling captivity in the enclave’s underground tunnel network, gathered in anticipation as tears flowed and hugs were exchanged.

“After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today the skies are calm, the guns are silent and the sirens are still,” Donald Trump said in a historic speech at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.

Yet the harsh reality of two years in captivity was apparent amid a day of joy, with the hostages now looking radically different from the photos taken before they were seized on October 7, 2023.

Behind the smiles, some appear to have dramatically lost weight, while others appear frail. 

Their new appearance tells the story of every day they spent underground in fear of Hamas doing to them what they did to the 1,195 people slaughtered two years ago, in what has now been known as Israel’s darkest day.

Alon Ohel  

Alon Ohel was among the hostages freed today in a historic ceasefire deal. A new picture released today after he was freed shows his gaunt features

Before his capture, he had curly blonde hair and a full beard

Before his capture, he had curly blonde hair and a full beard 

Footage released by Hamas showed Ohel, 24, being taken by the militant group from the Nova festival. 

In August, he was seen being paraded around Gaza City with Guy HGilboa-Dalal, another hostage. 

Since his capture, Ohel has faced health issues. Last month, his family approved the release of a screenshot from a video that showed he had now gone blind in one eye.  

Before he was captured, pictures showed him with a full beard and curly hair. 

Pictures shared by the IDF of his reunion with his family today show the drastic weight he has lost. His beard and hair have also been shaved, revealing his gaunt features. 

Sergev Kalfon  

Sergev Kalfon arrives at a medical centre where he underwent a check up after being released

Sergev Kalfon arrives at a medical centre where he underwent a check up after being released 

He was taken while he ran away with his friend. Hamas later published a video of his capture

He was taken while he ran away with his friend. Hamas later published a video of his capture 

The 27-year-old was taken while running away with a friend at the music festival. Later, a video of his abduction was released by the militant group.  

In February 2025, released hostage Ohad Ben Ami told Kalfon’s father they had been held with four others in a tunnel under ‘terrible conditions’.

Before his capture, pictures showed him enjoying a holiday with friends. 

However, photos released today show him as a shell of his former self, with the toll of years in captivity written across his expression. 

Ariel Cunio  

Ariel Cuni's eyes looked sunken as he was seen walking with IDF representatives after being freed

Ariel Cuni’s eyes looked sunken as he was seen walking with IDF representatives after being freed

Cunio and his partner Arbel Yehud were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Yehud was freed earlier this year but Cunio's brother said the last message he received from him read: 'We are in a horror movie'

Cunio and his partner Arbel Yehud were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Yehud was freed earlier this year but Cunio’s brother said the last message he received from him read: ‘We are in a horror movie’ 

Ariel was abducted on October 7 at Kibbutz Nir Oz. His brother, Eitan, who escaped the attack, says the last message from Ariel read: ‘We are in a horror movie.’ 

His partner, Arbel Yehud, was freed earlier, in January 2025, in a deal that saw Hamas hand over 25 living and eight dead captives. 

In new photos, his eyes look sunken as he walked with IDF representatives following his release. He tied his hair, which has now grown longer, into a bun and appears to have lost weight. 

Evyatar David   

Released Israeli hostage Evyatar David reacts upon arriving at Beilinson Hospital in the Rabin Medical Centre in Petah Tikva in central Israel on October 13, 2025

Released Israeli hostage Evyatar David reacts upon arriving at Beilinson Hospital in the Rabin Medical Centre in Petah Tikva in central Israel on October 13, 2025

In August Hamas released a shocking clip of him with his skeleton visible from his thin skin

In August Hamas released a shocking clip of him with his skeleton visible from his thin skin

Before his capture, pictures show how vibrant he was

Before his capture, pictures show how vibrant he was

On the morning of October 7, he texted: ‘They are bombarding the party.’

His family say they later got a text containing footage of him handcuffed in a dark room. 

In August 2025, Hamas published a video of him emaciated in a tunnel. His brother Ilay described him as ‘a human skeleton … starved so he may die at any moment’.

David has undergone one of the most extreme transformations out of all the hostages. Photographs of him before the Hamas attacks show how vibrant the 24-year-old looked. 

In the picture released today, he still appears severely underweight and malnourished.  

Eitan Horn   

Horn, in centre, appears to have undergone a severe body transformation

Horn, in centre, appears to have undergone a severe body transformation 

He is said to have saved many people before he was taken by Hamas militants

He is said to have saved many people before he was taken by Hamas militants 

A security guard at the Nova festival, Horn is said to have saved many before being taken.

His family reported signs of life in February 2025; a released hostage told them that Eitan acted as a ‘spokesman to the captors’ and kept spirits up.

New pictures show that Horn has undergone a severe body transformation with a shocking weight loss. 

Martan Zangauke  

Martan Zangauke was photographed in an embrace with his mother following his release

Martan Zangauke was photographed in an embrace with his mother following his release

He was abducted from Nir Oz with his partner, who was later released in November 2023

He was abducted from Nir Oz with his partner, who was later released in November 2023

Abducted from Nir Oz with his partner Ilana Gritzewsky, who was later released during a truce in November 2023. 

In December 2024, Hamas released footage of Matan, 25, describing skin ailments, shortages of food, water, and medicine. 

The IDF released a picture of him in an embrace with his mother after their reunion today.  

Yosef Chaim Ohana

Ohana's father was emotional when he reunited with his son earlier today

Ohana’s father was emotional when he reunited with his son earlier today 

His friend said he tried to help other concertgoers get to safety before he was taken by Hamas

His friend said he tried to help other concertgoers get to safety before he was taken by Hamas

The 25-year-old’s father broke down in tears when they reunited earlier today. 

According to Ohana’s friend, he had been at the music festival and helped people get to safety when Hamas attacked. 

In May this year, the group released a video showing him and another hostage. 

Avinatan Or   

Avinatan Or was seen looking frail as he walked with a member of the IDF 

Or was taken at the festival alongside his girlfriend. His mother emotionally appealed for his release 

He was kidnapped at the festival along with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani, but they ended up being separated. 

Noa and others were rescued in June 2024. In March 2025, Avinatan’s family said they had seen signs he was alive. 

His mother, who is Israeli-British, gave an emotional plea for his release, describing how she longed to hear his heartbeat once again.  

Nimrod Cohen  

After his release today, he was seen looking frail under an Israeli flag

After his release today, he was seen looking frail under an Israeli flag 

Nimrod Cohen was serving as a n IDF soldier before he was taken by Hamas

Nimrod Cohen was serving as a n IDF soldier before he was taken by Hamas

The 21-year-old was serving as an IDF soldier when his tank was hit at Nahal Oz.

In February 2025, his family said a freed hostage reported he stayed alive but was in poor mental and physical shape.

After his release, he was seen under an Israeli flag, looking frail. 

Rom Braslavski  

Rom Braslavski was seen draped in the Israeli flag as he greeted members of the IDF

 Rom Braslavski was seen draped in the Israeli flag as he greeted members of the IDF 

He was working as a security at the festival before he was captured

He was working as a security at the festival before he was captured 

Rom Bravslaski, 21, was draped in the Israeli flag as he greeted members of the IDF upon his release. 

On festival security duty, Rom was abducted when trying to save an injured person. 

In August 2025, a video showed him crying, saying he had run out of food and water, unable to stand. 

Bar Kupershtein 

Bar Kupershtein in a reunion with his family earlier today

Bar Kupershtein in a reunion with his family earlier today 

Kupershtein is said to have stayed behind to help people before he was taken

Kupershtein is said to have stayed behind to help people before he was taken 

Kupershtein is reported to have stayed behind at the festival to help the wounded. 

He told his grandmother he would head home when he could, but was seized. 

A video in April 2025 showed him with Maxim Herkin. His family has said he appeared injured, his body diminished by captivity.

Maxim Herkin 

Herkin appeared in high spirits as he greeted soldiers and medics

Herkin appeared in high spirits as he greeted soldiers and medics 

Herkin lost friends during the attack at the festival

Herkin lost friends during the attack at the festival 

Maxim Herkin, 37, is an Israeli-Russian dual national. His friends were among those who were slaughtered in the attack. 

Following his video with Kuperstein, he appeared alone in another video, bandaged, allegedly from an Israeli air strike.

In his pictures today, he appeared in high spirits as he greeted medics and soldiers. 

Elkana Bohbot 

Elkana Bohbot was seen hugging authorities after his release

Elkana Bohbot was seen hugging authorities after his release

Bohbot, 36, was working as a security personnel before he was taken

Bohbot, 36, was working as a security personnel before he was taken 

Bohbot, 36, was working at the festival when abducted.

His wife Rikva recalled their last conversation: ‘In our last conversation … I told him, ‘It’s not just missiles, come home,’ and he promised he would return.’ 

Media earlier cited released hostages saying Elkana developed a severe skin disease under harsh conditions.

Guy Gilboa-Dalal

Gilboa-Dalal was seen waving as he made his way for medical checks at a hospital

Gilboa-Dalal was seen waving as he made his way for medical checks at a hospital 

Guy Gilboa-Dalal attended the concert with his brother Gal, who managed to escape G

Guy Gilboa-Dalal attended the concert with his brother Gal, who managed to escape G

 The 24-year-old attended the music festival with his brother, Gal. 

While Gal managed to escape, Guy was kidnapped and taken into captivity. 

Recently, Hamas released a video showing Guy and Alon Ohel being driven around Gaza City in August 2025. 

 David Cunio

David Cunio before being Hamas hostage

David Cunio before being Hamas hostage

Released Israeli hostage, David Cunio, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, sits with a representative of the Israeli army after being released, as part of a prisoner-hostage swap and a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in Reim, Israel October 13, 2025

Released Israeli hostage, David Cunio, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, sits with a representative of the Israeli army after being released, as part of a prisoner-hostage swap and a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in Reim, Israel October 13, 2025

David Cunio, 35, older brother of Ariel, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas terrorists.

He worked as an electrical technician and held the safe room door in his family home closed for five hours while attackers on October 7 tried to force it open.

His wife, Sharon Cunio, and their then-three-year-old twin daughters Ema and Yuly were also kidnapped, before being released alongside 102 other hostages during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023. 

After his release, he was pictured laughing alongside a representative of the Israeli army at the Re’im military base in southern Israel. 

Gali and Ziv Berman

Released British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari with her friends Gali and Ziv Berman, before the October 7 massacre

Released British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari with her friends Gali and Ziv Berman, before the October 7 massacre 

Twins Gali and Ziv Berman before the October 7 attacks

Twins Gali and Ziv Berman before the October 7 attacks 

This handout picture released by the Israeli army shows released Israeli hostage Ziv (L) and Gali (R) Berman, two of the former captives in Gaza since the 2023 October 7 attacks by Palestinian militants

This handout picture released by the Israeli army shows released Israeli hostage Ziv (L) and Gali (R) Berman, two of the former captives in Gaza since the 2023 October 7 attacks by Palestinian militants

Gali and Ziv Berman, 28-year-old twin brothers, were captured from their home on Kibbutz Kfar Aza with their neighbour, British-Israeli Emily Damari

Gali and Ziv Berman, 28-year-old twin brothers, were captured from their home on Kibbutz Kfar Aza with their neighbour, British-Israeli Emily Damari

Gali and Ziv Berman, 28-year-old twin brothers, were captured from their home on Kibbutz Kfar Aza with their neighbour, British-Israeli Emily Damari.

Some 62 residents, including five soldiers and a member of the Shin Bet, and 18 security personnel were killed in Kfar Aza during the October 7 attacks, while a further 19 civilians were taken hostage. 

Ziv was held captive with Emily for 40 days before the pair were separated, and she was released in January 2025 during the most recent ceasefire.

The twins are understood to have been separated in captivity but a photo after their release shows them warmly embracing. 

Matan Angrest

Matan Angrest, 22, taken from Nahal Oz

Matan Angrest, 22, taken from Nahal Oz

In this photo provided by the Israeli Defense Forces, Matan Angrest speaks with an IDF representative in Israel on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

In this photo provided by the Israeli Defense Forces, Matan Angrest speaks with an IDF representative in Israel on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

Matan Angrest is a 22-year-old Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldier who was abducted on October 7, 2023 from his tank near the Gaza perimeter fence.

Footage published from the massacre shows Hamas militants kicking him, according to the Jerusalem Post.

He was captured alongside the bodies of Itai Chen, Daniel Peretz, and Tomer Leibovitz – fellow soldiers in his tank unit. 

Earlier this year, his family said they had been told by former hostages that he was suffering from untreated burns, infections, and chronic asthma.

‘This is the closing of a circle for which the brigade has fought over the past two years,’ Matan’s brigade commander said. ‘The 7th [Brigade] family, the 77th Battalion, and the Armored Corps are waiting for you at home.’

Eitan Mor

Eitan Mor seen in a helicopter with his family

Eitan Mor seen in a helicopter with his family 

He was among those captured from Nir Oz. His brother was also captured, but released

He was among those captured from Nir Oz. His brother was also captured, but released

Mor was kidnapped alongside his brother Yair from Nir Oz. 

Yair was released in February 2025. At the time, Hamas showed a video of the brothers embracing. 

Yair later recalled: ‘Every day we imagined what we’d do if we were freed.

Omri Miran

Released Israeli hostage, Omri Miran, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, embraces his wife, Lishay Miran-Lav, after being released as part of a prisoner-hostage swap and a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in Reim, Israel October 13, 2025

Released Israeli hostage, Omri Miran, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, embraces his wife, Lishay Miran-Lav, after being released as part of a prisoner-hostage swap and a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in Reim, Israel October 13, 2025

Omri Miran reunites with his wife after 738 days held by Hamas

 Omri Miran reunites with his wife after 738 days held by Hamas

Omri Miran, 48, was photographed reuniting with his wife Lishay Miran-Lavi, where he spoke to his daughters Roni, four, and two-year-old Alma on a tablet while at the Re’im base.

He was the oldest living hostage to return to Israel today. 

Mr Miran was abducted from his home in Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023, when Alma was only six months old. Since then, she has learned how to say ‘Abba’ (‘Daddy’ in Hebrew).

Over 180 Hamas militants swarmed into the Gaza border community in three waves during the attack two years ago, murdering and abducting residents. 

Some 13 residents and four security personnel were killed in Nahal Oz during the massacre, as well as 53 IDF soldiers.

‘After more than 700 long, painful, and agonising days, Omri will finally receive from Roni and Alma a healing embrace,’ his family said in a statement.

‘We are at the beginning of a complex and challenging, yet moving, journey of recovery. May Omri’s return mark the beginning of this recovery and the unity of our people.’

People watch a helicopter, on the day of hostages-prisoners swap, during a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, in Petah Tikva, Israel October 13, 2025

People watch a helicopter, on the day of hostages-prisoners swap, during a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, in Petah Tikva, Israel October 13, 2025

Israelis gather at Hostages Square to celebrate after the release of the first group of hostages held in Gaza on October 13, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel

Israelis gather at Hostages Square to celebrate after the release of the first group of hostages held in Gaza on October 13, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel

As well as the 20 hostages, Hamas was instructed to hand over 28 deceased bodies as part of the peace deal. However, it is expected to only hand over four today.

The IDF said Hamas has handed over the coffins of two dead hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza, with two more to be returned today. 

It comes as the terror group has previously admitted they do not know where the remains of all the dead hostages are.

Some of the remains have been lost and buried under the rubble in Gaza, it is believed. 

A joint multinational task force led by Israel, the US, Turkey, Qatar and Egypt is being established to locate any bodies that are not returned.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum said the terror group was guilty of a ‘blatant breach’ of the ceasefire deal by not returning all of the deceased today.

An IDF spokesperson has demanded that Hamas ‘uphold its end of the deal’.

‘We have been informed that later today, approximately four fallen hostages will be returned. Even at this hour, efforts are being made at all levels to exert pressure for the continuation of the process to return the bodies of the fallen,’ said IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin.

The U.S. president arrived in Israel this morning, where he delivered a momentous address to the Knesset. He then headed to Egypt for an international peace summit geared towards ending the war in Gaza.

Returned hostage Avinatan Or with IDF representatives after his release from captivity on Monday, October 13, 2025, after spending more than two years in Hamas captivity

Returned hostage Avinatan Or with IDF representatives after his release from captivity on Monday, October 13, 2025, after spending more than two years in Hamas captivity

Red Cross vehicles transport hostages, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack

Red Cross vehicles transport hostages, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack

Released hostage Avinatan Or, who was kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and taken to Gaza, upon arrival at Rabin Medical Centre-Beilinson Hospital

Released hostage Avinatan Or, who was kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and taken to Gaza, upon arrival at Rabin Medical Centre-Beilinson Hospital

Freed Palestinian prisoners wave from a bus as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after their release from Israeli jails under a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel

Freed Palestinian prisoners wave from a bus as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after their release from Israeli jails under a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel

Freed Palestinian prisoners on a bus flash the victory sign as they pass destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip

Freed Palestinian prisoners on a bus flash the victory sign as they pass destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip

‘After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families,’ Trump said.

‘Twenty-eight more precious loved ones are coming home at last to rest in this sacred soil for all of time.’

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced that he will bestow the American leader with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour – the country’s highest civilian honour.

Trump signed the Knesset guest book and wrote: ‘It is a great honour for me. This is a beautiful day. A new beginning.’

Speaking to reporters earlier on Air Force One as he made his way to Israel, the president said: ‘The war is over.’

‘People are tired of it, it’s been centuries, not just recent,’ he said. ‘The ceasefire will hold, we’re going to make sure it holds.’

Families and friends of the hostages broke out into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced that their loved ones were being released.

Tens of thousands of Israelis were also watching the transfers at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv. 

British-Israeli Emily Damari, freed from captivity last January, was seen watching her best friends Gali and Ziv being released in a private viewing session with close family and friends.

She was sat beside Romi Gonen who was held with her for much of their time in captivity.

Family and friends of Israeli hostage Eitan Horn react to the news of his release at their house in the central Israeli city of Rosh Haayin on October 13, 2025

Family and friends of Israeli hostage Eitan Horn react to the news of his release at their house in the central Israeli city of Rosh Haayin on October 13, 2025

British-Israeli Emily Damari, freed from captivity last January, was seen watching her best friends Gali and Ziv being released in a private viewing session with close family and friends

British-Israeli Emily Damari, freed from captivity last January, was seen watching her best friends Gali and Ziv being released in a private viewing session with close family and friends

Dozens of friends of Evyatar David had gathered together near Tel Aviv since 8am on Sunday and had not slept.

Yuval Ovadia, 24, student from Tel Aviv, told the Daily Mail: ‘I have been here since 8am. It’s such a stressful time, so having everyone together helps

‘It’s friends from all around – we met because of this situation.’

Guy Melamed, 24, student from Zippori, northern Israel, said: ‘Some of us have been here since we heard the news at 8am yesterday. We knew it was happening in the next 24 hours so we said we need to meet up.

‘We needed to be together to be here for each other. As much as you want to fall asleep, it’s the anticipation. It’s just too much – two years we have been waiting for this moment.

‘It’s very exciting.’

Evyatar was due for release last January but was instead cruelly forced to watch others released before being taken back into captivity. 

Hamas then released horrifying footage of his starved body as he was forced to dig his own grave in a tunnel in Gaza. 

The hundreds of Israelis gathered in Hostages Square to celebrate the peace deal broke into huge cheers as helicopters carrying some of the freed hostages flew overhead.

After speaking to hostage families and addressing the Knesset, Trump departed Israel for a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh with leaders from more than 20 countries. 

There, politicians will try and finalise an agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

A surge of humanitarian aid is expected to follow into famine-stricken Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are left homeless.

While major questions remain about the future of Hamas and Gaza, the exchange of hostages and prisoners mark a key step toward ending the deadliest war ever between Israel and the militant group.

The hostages’ return caps a painful chapter for Israel. Since they were captured in the October 2023 Hamas attack that ignited the war, newscasts have marked their days in captivity and Israelis have worn yellow pins and ribbons in solidarity.

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