Story perspectives

Israeli Hostages Freed After 738 Days; Families Demand Accountability

10/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

On October 13, 2025, the last 20 living Israeli hostages were released after 738 days in captivity, under a U.S.-brokered peace deal that also freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The released group, including Avinatan Or and Matan Angrest, was reunited with families at the Re’im military base and underwent medical assessments before hospital care.
Remains of 28 deceased hostages remain unaccounted for, prompting accountability calls from families and officials.

History

Historical Context

The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, initiated a peace process between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), establishing the Palestinian Authority and aiming for a five-year interim self-governance. Despite initial hopes, ongoing violence, including the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995, and settlement expansions undermined progress, leading to a deadlock that persists today.

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Story summary

On October 13, 2025, the last 20 living Israeli hostages were released after 738 days in captivity, under a U.S.-brokered peace deal that also freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The released group, including Avinatan Or and Matan Angrest, was reunited with families at the Re’im military base and underwent medical assessments before hospital care.
Remains of 28 deceased hostages remain unaccounted for, prompting accountability calls from families and officials.

1 / 2