Hamas sends Israeli captives' families videos of loved ones ahead of release
The families of Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza received video calls and pre-recorded footage of their loved ones ahead of their release on Monday, according to reports in the Israeli media.
Hamas released all 20 living Israeli captives on Monday morning as part of a prisoner swap deal to end the war on Gaza.
They were divided into two groups, with seven released earlier in the morning and 13 released later. The captives were handed over to the International Red Cross and later transferred to the Israeli military.
The bodies of the dead captives are expected to be handed over later on Monday.
In a rare move ahead of the release of the second group of captives, Hamas allowed several of the detainees to make video calls to their families in Israel.
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In interviews with Israel’s Channel 12 prior to their release, families spoke of their joy and excitement, reporting that their loved ones appeared to be well. In many of the calls, captives were seen beaming and flanked by Hamas members.
Sylvia, the mother of Israeli captives David and Ariel Cuneo, who spoke to them via video call, told Channel 12 that her sons looked “perfectly fine, David is a little pale but fine. I can't believe I'm seeing them”.
Avishai David, the father of another captive, Evyatar David told Channel 12: “This is a huge joy, a great pleasure.”
Rom Braslavski's mother, Tami Breslavsky said she “couldn't speak" due to her excitement. "I want to thank these heroic soldiers without whom we wouldn't be in this position. I have no words.”
Nimrod Cohen’s family reported after speaking to him on the phone that "he is in good condition, more handsome than ever. He will be back home in a moment."
Matan Zangauker’s mother, Einav, who spoke to him along with his partner, Ilana Gritzewsky, told him: "Matan, you're going home. I'm waiting for you.”
משפחתו של יוסף חיים אוחנה משוחחת איתו בטלפון: "אוהבים אותך, כל עם ישראל מחכה לך" pic.twitter.com/JzqiZ9hXKz
— הארץ חדשות (@haaretznewsvid) October 13, 2025
The family of Alon Ohel received a video which they said showed him “standing on his feet”.
Efrat, the mother of captive Eitan Mor said she received a video of her beaming son.
“You imagine so many things about what could happen. He looks great, although thin and pale,” she said.
Avi Ohana, the father of Yosef-Chaim Ohana, reported that he had spoken with his son on a video call, in which he was smiling and standing alongside a Hamas member.
Ruhama Bohbot, the mother of Elkana Bohbot reported that her son “looks good” and that he was “smiling from ear to ear”.
Bar Kuperstein’s mother Julie spoke to her son via video call from the reception point at Re’im camp, where the captives were received after crossing the border into southern Israel.
She said she was "shaking all over" after her receiving the call.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have begun preparations for the release of 1,968 Palestinian detainees as part of the agreement.
According to Reuters, the Palestinian detainees, most of whom were seized from Gaza by Israel, have boarded buses ahead of their release to the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Dozens of Palestinian families gathered outside Ofer Prison near Ramallah on Monday, awaiting the release of their loved ones.
Despite the hopeful atmosphere, the Israeli military has dropped warning leaflets over the area using drones, urging those present to disperse and avoid approaching the prison.
Heavy military reinforcements have also been deployed around the Ofer military base, heightening tensions on the ground.
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