20 hostages held in Gaza poised for launch : NPR

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AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP by way of Getty photographs TEL AVIV, Israel —In the course of the Hamas assaults on Israel on Oct. 7, 251 individuals had been kidnapped and brought throughout the border into Gaza. Underneath the primary section of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the remaining hostages are anticipated to be launched on Monday. After greater than two years, Israeli officers say that of the 48 remaining Israeli and international hostages, 20 are nonetheless believed to be alive. Following their launch, Israel will free round 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages are anticipated to be freed early Monday morning. These are the names and tales of the hostages Israel believes stay alive:

Alon Ohel (24) — a musician and pianist, Ohel was kidnapped from the Nova music competition, dragged from a shelter the place he was hiding among the many wounded and lifeless. His mother and father, distinguished advocates for the hostages' return, positioned dozens of pianos throughout Israel with the message "You aren't alone." In 2024, his mom, Idit Ohel, organized a live performance for him on the Gaza border. She advised NPR, "I do know that he is alive as a result of he was taken alive, and I do know that he is alive as a result of I am a mom."

Ariel (28) and David (35) Cunio — brothers from Kibbutz Nir Oz, had been kidnapped on Oct.7 together with their wives and youngsters. Whereas their households had been freed in earlier offers, the brothers remained in captivity. In July 2025, their mom, Sylvia, mentioned: "I all the time attempt to keep optimistic as a result of there is not any different means… I simply need all of them dwelling."

Avinatan Or (32) — the second of seven siblings, holds a level in electrical and pc engineering and labored in high-tech. He was kidnapped from the Nova competition along with his accomplice, Noa Argamani, who was rescued by Israeli forces final 12 months. Footage of their abduction, exhibiting Hamas gunmen separating them, grew to become a defining picture of the Oct.7 assaults. In March 2025, launched hostages delivered an indication of life from him to his household.

Bar Kupershtein (23) — the eldest of 5 siblings and the household's most important breadwinner after his father grew to become disabled, was kidnapped to Gaza whereas working on the Nova competition. Captivated with bikes, he was final seen in a Hamas video in April 2025 alongside hostage Maksim Harkin

Elkana Bohbot (36) — was working on the Nova music competition when he was kidnapped. A number of movies of him in captivity have surfaced, the latest in Might 2025. Three months in the past, his mom advised Galei Tzahal (Military Radio): "I do not wish to hear any extra speak—I simply wish to see the headline, 'We signed the deal.' I am exhausted from guarantees. I've misplaced my sanity, my optimism. My physique cannot take it anymore."

Eitan Horn (39) — was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz alongside his brother Yair, who was launched earlier this 12 months. A casual training skilled, Eitan spent a part of his captivity with Yair, and the brothers reportedly fled by tunnels throughout Israeli airstrikes. Yair's launch in February 2025 introduced aid to the household, however left them deeply anxious for Eitan.

Eitan Mor (25) — the eldest of eight siblings, he labored as a barista and dreamed of opening his personal café. He was kidnapped from the Nova competition, the place he labored as a safety guard. Launched hostages described him as a morale booster who even confronted captors on behalf of others. His household in Kiryat Arba has publicly opposed compromise offers with Hamas, arguing they endanger Israelis long-term.

Evyatar David (24)— labored as a café shift supervisor and was planning a visit to Southeast Asia. He was kidnapped from the Nova music competition alongside his pal Man Gilboa Dalal. In Aug. 2025, Hamas launched movies exhibiting him emaciated, digging his personal grave beneath their orders, and, talking beneath duress, urging the Israeli Prime Minister to comply with a ceasefire. The footage sparked outrage and dismay throughout Israel.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5594x3729+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb9%2Ff4%2F20e2d0b643baa3077f565ec1937b%2Fgettyimages-2190858972.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5594x3729+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb9%2Ff4%2F20e2d0b643baa3077f565ec1937b%2Fgettyimages-2190858972.jpg" class="img" alt="Twins hold portraits of Gali and Ziv Berman, who were taken by Palestinian militants on the Oct. 7 attack and since held hostage in the Gaza Strip, during a rally calling for their release, in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv." loading="lazy"/> Twins maintain portraits of Gali and Ziv Berman, who had been taken by Palestinian militants on the Oct. 7 assault and since held hostage within the Gaza Strip, throughout a rally calling for his or her launch, within the Israeli coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv. JACK GUEZ/AFP by way of Getty Photographs conceal caption

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JACK GUEZ/AFP by way of Getty Photographs Gali Berman and Ziv Berman (28)— twin brothers from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, had been kidnapped from their dwelling on Oct. 7. Lovers of soccer and journey, they ran a sound and lighting firm collectively and had just lately returned from a visit to Costa Rica. Launched hostages reported that as of Feb. 2025, the brothers had been alive however being held individually—the longest time they'd ever spent aside, in line with their older brother Liran.

Man Gilboa-Dalal (24) — an animation and Japanese anime fanatic who had deliberate to journey to Japan, was kidnapped from the Nova competition on Oct. 7 alongside his shut pal Evyatar David. His brother Gal, managed to flee. In Feb. 2025, Hamas launched a video exhibiting them witnessing their associates' launch. Launched hostages reported that Man endured extreme abuse and hunger, leaving him in extraordinarily poor bodily and psychological situation.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4300x2867+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F6d%2F3ef082a4429e9f81bda17113551d%2Fgettyimages-2240485282.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4300x2867+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F6d%2F3ef082a4429e9f81bda17113551d%2Fgettyimages-2240485282.jpg" class="img" alt="Michel Illouz (L), father of Guy Illouz, and Ilan Dalal, father of hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal (R), sembrace and react next to protestors cheering and holding signs that read, "they're coming home" speaks at the weekly 'Bring Them Home' rally in Hostage Square Hostages Square on Oct. 11th" loading="lazy"/> Michel Illouz (L), father of Man Illouz, and Ilan Dalal, father of hostage Man Gilboa Dalal (R), embrace and react subsequent to protestors cheering and holding indicators that learn, "they're coming dwelling" in Hostages Sq., Tel Aviv, on Oct. eleventh Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Photographs Europe conceal caption

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Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Photographs Europe Maxim Herkin (35) — an Israel-Russian twin nationwide and immigrant from Ukraine, was kidnapped from the Nova competition, the place two of his shut associates had been killed. A father to a daughter in Russia and with a accomplice in Israel, he texted his mom "I like you" the day he was taken and has had no contact since. In Might 2025, Hamas launched a video exhibiting him pale and skinny. His mom advised Israeli media, "Till I get my son again, I will not say thanks."

Matan Angrest (22) —the soldier was captured when his tank was attacked by Hamas close to the Gaza perimeter fence. A sports activities and soccer fanatic, he reportedly endured abuse and interrogations by Hamas operatives, in line with launched hostages. His final recognized look was in a Hamas video launched in March 2025.

Matan Zangauker (25) -was kidnapped from his dwelling at Kibbutz Nir Oz alongside along with his accomplice, Ilana Gritzewsky, who was launched in Nov. 2023. The couple labored on the kibbutz's medical hashish farm, and their dwelling was among the many first focused by Hamas on Oct. 7. Matan's mom, who raised him and his two sisters alone, has change into a number one voice for the hostages' households and was named one of many BBC's 100 Ladies of 2024.

Nimrod Cohen (20) – a soldier taken from his tank in the course of the Oct. 7 assaults close to the Nirim kibbutz near the border with Gaza. He was 19 on the time. Hamas launched footage of his seize, and launched hostages later confirmed he's alive, although in poor bodily and psychological situation. A nature lover who enjoys mountain climbing and video video games, his mom, Viki, wrote on social media after the ceasefire: "My youngster, you're coming dwelling."

Omri Miran (48) - a shiatsu therapist and head gardener at Kibbutz Nir Oz, was kidnapped from his dwelling in Nahal Oz on Oct. 7, 2023, in entrance of his spouse and two daughters. Hamas later launched footage of his kidnapping. The oldest dwelling hostage nonetheless held in Gaza, his father, Dani Miran, has change into a number one advocate for the hostages' launch. Chatting with NPR final week, he mentioned, "I really feel on prime of the world—as if my son has been born once more."

Rom Braslavski (21) – a soldier from Jerusalem working as a safety guard on the Nova competition, was kidnapped after serving to others escape, his household mentioned. In April 2025, Islamic Jihad launched a video exhibiting him emaciated and unwell. Contact with him was misplaced in July, however Israeli officers imagine he's nonetheless alive. His mother and father have been main voices within the hostages' household's motion.

Segev Kalfon (27) - Kalfon was kidnapped whereas making an attempt to flee Hamas gunmen on the Nova music competition. A pal later advised his household that militants approached their automobile and seized Segev, a Tel Aviv finance pupil who had been recognized with extreme nervousness simply weeks earlier after a automobile accident. His mom fears for his well being, saying he is been denied essential remedy.

Yosef Chaim Ohana (25) - a bartender and the eldest son of a single mom he helped help, loves biking, tenting, and mountain climbing. He was kidnapped from the Nova competition after risking his life to assist others escape the assault. Launched hostages later reported seeing him alive, and in Might 2025 Hamas launched a video exhibiting him alongside fellow hostage Elkana Buchbut.