Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:20pm on 13 Oct 2025,Monday International
All 20 surviving Israeli hostages returned home Monday in emotional reunions following a US-brokered ceasefire, ending their two-year Hamas captivity since October 7, 2023. Eitan Mor, 23, tearfully embraced his parents in scenes replicated across Israel. The IDF's "Returning Home" operation released hostages in two batches, initially seven then 13 more who underwent medical assessments before helicopter transport to hospitals. Most were abducted from the Nova Music festival near Kibbutz Reim. Hamas originally seized 251 hostages; only 67 have returned alive. The release coincided with Simchat Torah, Judaism's most joyous holiday. Tel Aviv's Hostages Square erupted in celebration, though grief lingered for the 27 who died in captivity.
