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Hostages

Twin Brothers Freed After 738 Days in Hamas Captivity Reunite with Family in Israel

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The reunion of the Berman twins, Gali and Ziv, was a moment of joy for their family and the fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC in Israel on Monday. The brothers, who were kidnapped by Hamas from their homes in kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023, had spent 738 days in captivity. As part of a prisoner-hostage swap deal, they were among the first seven hostages released by Hamas, along with 13 others. The twins, die-hard fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, were handed back to the Israeli authorities wearing black, but immediately switched to their favourite team's yellow and black jersey.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Berman twins, Gali and Ziv, were kidnapped by Hamas from their homes in kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023, and spent 738 days in captivity.
  • They were among the first seven hostages released by Hamas as part of a prisoner-hostage swap deal, which included 13 others.
  • The twins are die-hard fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC and were wearing the team's jersey when released from captivity.
  • The family had heard from previous hostages that the brothers were alive but being held separately as of February.
  • The twins lived in apartments across from each other in Kfar Aza, where their brother Liran said they had spent the longest period apart.
  • Under the ceasefire agreement, all living hostages were to be released within 72 hours, with Hamas releasing 20 hostages, including the Berman twins, to the Red Cross.
  • Israel is set to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.

Statistics:

  • 738 days: the length of time the Berman twins were held captive by Hamas before their release.
  • 7: the number of hostages released by Hamas as part of the prisoner-hostage swap deal, including the Berman twins.
  • 20: the total number of hostages released by Hamas, including the Berman twins, to the Red Cross.
  • 13: the number of hostages released with the Berman twins.
  • 2,000: the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel is set to release in exchange for the hostages.

Sources:

  • "Express Web Desk"
  • [ieonline.in](http://ieonline.in)
  • Contify.com

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