Operation Returning Home
This marks a historic and deeply emotional moment: the long awaited return of the final 48 hostages that were abducted to Gaza on October 7, 2023.
This page provides real-time updates on the return of the hostages to Israel.
Official statements and on-the-ground reports will be published as events unfold.
12.10.25
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October 15, 2025
21:38
According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to the meeting point in northern Gaza, where several coffins of deceased hostages will be transferred into its custody.
The IDF requests that the public act with sensitivity and wait for the official identification, which will first be provided to the families of the hostages.
Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages.
11:40
Following the completion of examinations at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, the fourth body handed over to Israel by Hamas does not match any of the hostages.
Hamas is required to make all necessary efforts to return the deceased hostages.
09:50
Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the families of Staff Sergeant Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch, and Eitan Levi were returned for burial.
According to the information and intelligence available to the IDF, Staff Sergeant Tamir Nimrodi was abducted alive from the Gaza District Coordination and Liaison Administration base, Gaza Division, by the Hamas terrorist organization. It is assessed that he was killed in captivity during the early stages of the war. He was 18 years old when he was killed. He leaves behind two parents and two sisters.
Final conclusions will be determined after the completion of the examination of the circumstances of death by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine.
According to the information and intelligence available to the IDF, Uriel Baruch was murdered by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th, 2023, and his body was taken into Gaza. Uriel, 35 years old at the time of his death, was abducted from the Mefalsim Junction after he fled the Nova festival. His death was pronounced on March 26th, 2024.
He leaves behind a wife, two children, parents, and three siblings.
According to the information and intelligence available to the IDF, Eitan Levi was murdered by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7th, 2023, and his body was taken into Gaza. Eitan Levi, 53 years old at the time of his death, was abducted from the Mefalsim Junction. His death was pronounced on December 8th, 2023. He leaves behind a son and sister.
The identification process at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine is still ongoing.
The IDF expresses deep condolences to the families, continues to make every effort to return all the deceased hostages, and is prepared for the continued implementation of the agreement.
Hamas is required to fulfill its part of the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the hostages to their families and to a dignified burial.
00:05
Four coffins of deceased hostages, escorted by IDF and ISA forces, crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago and are on their way to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine, where identification procedures will be carried out.
IDF representatives are accompanying the families.
The IDF urges the public to act with sensitivity and wait for official identification, which will first be communicated to the families of the deceased hostages.
October 14, 2024
22:39
According to information provided by the Red Cross, four coffins of deceased hostages have been transferred into their custody and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza.
Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the hostages.
21:33
According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to the meeting point in the southern Gaza Strip, where several coffins of deceased hostages will be transferred into their custody.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit requests from the public to act with sensitivity and wait for official identification, which will first be provided to the families of the deceased.
Hamas is required to fulfill its part of the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the hostages and deceased for a dignified burial.
21:19
Yossi was kidnapped alive from his home in kibbutz Beeri by Hamas terrorists. Yossi died while in captivity at the age of 53. CPT Daniel died during the Oct. 7 Massacre and his body was kidnapped into Gaza.
May their memories be a blessing.
12:09
Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in collaboration with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the families of Guy Iluz, Bipin Joshi, and two additional deceased hostages, whose names have not yet been cleared for publication by their families, that their loved ones have been brought back for burial.
According to the information and intelligence available to the IDF, Guy Iluz was injured and abducted alive by the Hamas terrorist organization after escaping the Nova music festival toward the Tel Gama area. Guy died from his wounds after not receiving proper medical treatment while held captive by Hamas. He was 26 years old at his death.
Final conclusions will be determined after the completion of the examination of the circumstances of death by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine.
According to the information and intelligence available to the IDF, Bipin Joshi, a Nepalese citizen, was abducted at the age of 23 from a shelter in Kibbutz Alumim by the Hamas terrorist organization. It is assessed that he was murdered in captivity during the first months of the war. Final conclusions will be determined after the completion of the examination of the circumstances of death by the National Center of Forensic Medicine.
The IDF and the Prisoners and Missing Persons Directorate of the State of Israel express their deep condolences to the families, continue to make every effort to return all the hostages, and are preparing for the continued implementation of the agreement.
Hamas is required to fulfill its part of the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the hostages to their families and to proper burial.
October 13, 2025
21:55
Guy and Evyatar. Childhood best friends, taken hostage together, held by terrorists in Gaza together.
And finally, returned to Israel together.
21:17
Four coffins of deceased hostages, escorted by IDF and ISA forces, crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago and are on their way to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine, where identification procedures will be carried out.
IDF representatives are accompanying the families.
20:27
Maxim Herkin and his family aboard an IAF helicopter en route to the hospital:
Ariel and David Cunio with their family at the initial reception point:
Elkana Bohbot meeting his family at the initial reception point:
Evyatar David and his family aboard a helicopter en route to the hospital:
20:11
Four coffins of deceased hostages are currently being escorted by IDF and ISA forces on their way to Israel, where they will be transferred to the National Center of Forensic Medicine for identification procedures. The IDF urges the public to act with sensitivity and wait for the official identification, which will first be communicated to the families of the deceased hostages.
Before crossing into Israeli territory, a military protocol will be held in Gaza in their memory. During the protocol, IDF soldiers will drape the hostages’ coffins with Israeli flags, salute them, and recite a chapter from the Book of Psalms.
19:32
According to information received, the Red Cross has received two coffins of deceased hostages and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza, where the two additional coffins of deceased hostages, that were received earlier, are located.
Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages.
18:15
According to information provided by the Red Cross, two coffins of deceased hostages have been transferred into their custody and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza.
Following this, there will be an additional transfer of another two coffins of deceased hostages. Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages.
18:14
Photos of Avinatan Or meeting his family and his partner, Noa Argamani:
17:34
Photos of Maxim Herkin meeting his family at the initial reception point:
Photos of Rom Broslavski meeting his family at the initial reception point:
Footage from the emotional reunion of Bar Kupershtein with his family at the initial reception point:
Footage of Nimrod Cohen meeting his family at the initial reception point:
Footage of Segev Kalfon meeting his family at the initial reception point:
17:03
Photos of the helicopters’ takeoffs to receive the hostages returning to Israel.
17:00
According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to the meeting point in southern Gaza, where several coffins of deceased hostages will be transferred into their custody.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional coffins of deceased hostages expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit requests from the public to act with sensitivity and wait for the official identification, which will first be provided to the families of the hostages.
16:39
In the past few minutes, the returning hostages Matan Zangauker, Maxim Herkin, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Evyatar David, Eitan Horn, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Elkana Bohbot, and Rom Braslavski were airlifted by IAF helicopters to hospitals, accompanied by their family members.
The returned hostages have undergone an initial medical assessment and are now on their way to hospitals, where they will reunite with the rest of their family members and receive continued medical care.
16:15
IDF Spox., BG Effie Defrin, as Israel celebrates the return of the last 20 living hostages on the eve of Simchat Torah. Attached is the full transcript:
Today, after seven hundred and thirty-eight days, the last 20 living hostages have come home.
After enduring the cruel captivity of the Hamas terrorist organization,
today they return to their families, to their homes, and to their nation.
This is a defining moment.
A moment that belongs to the people of Israel and to all those who believe in humanity.
A moment that belongs to the soldiers who fought with courage,
to the families who waited in faith, and to the fallen whose sacrifice made this day possible.
The IDF has kept its sacred promise:
to bring our people home.
And we will not rest until the mission is complete. We are prepared for the return of all the fallen hostages, and expect Hamas to abide by the terms of the agreement.
On this night of Simchat Torah,
when light returns after great darkness,
we say together: Welcome home.
Today, the State of Israel stands taller.
From the depths of our pain,
we have shown the world that Israel does not forget its people.
No man or woman is left behind.
May their return bring strength to us all.
15:53
Maxim, Bar, and Yosef, finally home, safe, and back in their families’ arms.
15:37
Ziv and Gali Berman on board IAF helicopter en route to hospital.
Footage of Avinatan Or with IDF representatives:
15:19
In the past few minutes, the returning hostages, Nimrod Cohen, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, and Bar Kupershtein, were airlifted by IAF helicopters to hospitals, accompanied by their family members.
The returned hostages have undergone an initial medical assessment and are now on their way to hospitals, where they will reunite with the rest of their family members and receive continued medical care.
15:18
The world watched in horror as Evyatar David was trapped beneath Hamas tunnels, forced to dig his own grave. Today we see him free at last, back home where he belongs.
15:00
Alon Ohel — finally home where he belongs.
Footage of Segev Halfon with IDF representatives.
14:45
The moments that Rom Broslavski, Nimrod Cohen, and Eitan Horn were welcomed back home into Israel by the IDF.
14:30
Back where Matan belongs, in the arms of his mother once again.
14:01
After 738 days, the Gilboa-Dalal family is finally whole again.
13:44
Watch the moment Eitan Mor reunites with his parents:
12:38
The 13 returned hostages have arrived at the initial reception point within Israeli territory.
12:37
The wait is over. After 738 days, Omri Miran’s family holds him again.
12:34
In the past few minutes, the returning hostages, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Omri Miran were airlifted by IAF helicopters to the hospital, accompanied by their family members.
The returned hostages have undergone an initial medical assessment and are now on their way to the hospitals, where they will reunite with the rest of their family members and receive continued medical care.
Photos of the IAF helicopter take-off:
12:26
The returning hostages, Matan Zangauker, Maxim Herkin, Segev Kalfon, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Nimrod Cohen, Avinatan Or, Evyatar David, Eitan Horn, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Elkana Bohbot, Bar Kupershtein and Rom Braslavski, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago.
They are currently on their way to the initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will reunite their families.
12:24
In the past few minutes, Eitan Mor, Ziv Berman and Gali Berman, were flown by IAF helicopters to the hospital, accompanied by their family members.
The returned hostages have undergone an initial medical assessment and are now on their way to the hospitals, where they will reunite with the rest of their family members and receive continued medical care.
11:54
It’s official: There are no more living Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity. Elkana Bohbot, Rom Braslavski, Nimrod Cohen, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Evyatar David, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Segev Kalfon, Bar Kupershtein, Yosef Haim Ohana, Avinatan Or, and Matan Zangauker and finally home.
11:44
13 returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
11:42
The moment the families of the returning hostages watched their loved ones meet IDF troops.
11:27
According to information provided by the Red Cross, 13 hostages have been transferred into their custody and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza.
10:53
We’ve waited 738 days to say this: Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest are finally home:
10:23
The moment the returning hostages crossed into Israeli territory a short while ago:
10:03
The Seven Returned Hostages Have Arrived at the Initial Reception Point Within Israeli Territory
Personnel from the IDF Manpower Directorate and IDF medical teams are accompanying Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest, who will undergo an initial medical evaluation, and will reunite with their families at the initial reception point in southern Israel.
IDF representatives are accompanying all family members who are waiting at the hospital and continue to provide them with ongoing updates.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.
09:58
According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to an additional meeting point in southern Gaza, where several hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross.
09:34
The returning hostages, Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago.
They are currently on their way to the initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will reunite with their families.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.
09:20
Hostages held in Gaza for 738 days: Matan Angrest, Gali and Ziv berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa Dalal.
09:19
The Chief of the General Staff is Commanding Operation “Returning Home” from the Situation Room of the Hostage and Missing Persons Headquarters: “This is a very significant day, we are succeeding in realizing a key part of the defined war objectives. This is an event in which you have accomplished something tremendous, together with the IDF troops on the front line, our mission will not end until the last hostage is returned.”
09:11
Seven Returning Hostages Have Just Met With IDF and ISA Forces in Gaza and Are Now Making Their Way to Israeli Territory
Seven returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
08:49
According to information provided by the Red Cross, seven hostages have been transferred into their custody, and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.
08:37
Footage of IAF Helicopters Taking off for Re’im To Receive the Returning Hostages
07:46
According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to a meeting point in northern Gaza where several hostages will be transferred into their custody.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.
007:31
The IAF has completed its preparations to receive the hostages returning to Israel from Gaza.
October 12, 2025
18:48
The initial reception point where the hostages will arrive:
