By SCM Staff Writer I Monday, October 13, 2025
JERUSALEM – Thirteen more Israeli captives held in the Gaza Strip, were safely transferred to Israeli territory and are undergoing initial medical assessments, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) announced in a joint statement this evening.
The return is being carried out under Operation “Returning Home,” and follows intense negotiations and logistical planning. The thirteen individuals are the first group of hostages whose return has been confirmed in this phase of the operation.
The joint statement confirmed that the returning hostages—named as 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—were met by IDF and ISA forces within the Gaza Strip before being escorted into Israel.
”The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel,” the initial announcement read, highlighting the emotional moment for the military personnel involved in the transfer.
Upon their arrival at an initial reception point in southern Israel, the thirteen men were immediately met by IDF Manpower Directorate personnel and medical teams who began the initial evaluations. The IDF confirmed that family members of the returning hostages were present and waiting at the reception point for what will be an emotional reunion.
”IDF representatives are accompanying all family members who are waiting at the hospitals and continue to provide them with ongoing updates,” the second announcement confirmed, alluding to the structured and sensitive process in place to manage the returns.
Following the initial assessments, the men are expected to be transported to hospitals for more comprehensive medical care and to spend time with their loved ones.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit issued a firm request to the Israeli public, urging responsibility and sensitivity.
The unit asked citizens to “respect the privacy of the returning captives, and to rely solely on official information,” underscoring the delicate nature of the situation and the focus on the well-being of the newly released individuals.
The successful transfer has brought a wave of relief and cautious optimism across the nation, which remains deeply scarred by the events that led to the capture of hundreds of hostages.
