**Title: 20 Hostages Released by Hamas Under Ceasefire Agreement**

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Posters of hostages hang on street corners across Israel, their faces faded and torn. These individuals, both civilians and soldiers, have become symbols of anguish for their families. Many were taken during the Oct. 7 attack at the Nova music festival, where nearly 400 people lost their lives and dozens were kidnapped. On Monday, Hamas released 20 hostages to the Red Cross, which transported them to Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement. This deal has raised hopes for an end to two years of conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The ceasefire stipulates the release of all living hostages and the return of deceased individuals. However, two hostages previously believed to be alive, Tamir Nimrodi and Bipin Joshi, were confirmed dead. The conflict began with Hamas's attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251. The ongoing fighting has reportedly claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The ministry claims that around half of the casualties are women and children, and that 90% of Gaza's population of about 2 million has been displaced.

Before the recent release, 48 hostages were still held in Gaza, including the body of a soldier from a previous conflict. Israel has determined that at least 25 hostages were killed during the initial attack or died while in captivity. Under the ceasefire agreement that began last Friday, the remaining hostages are expected to be released within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel has released around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis.

Here are the 20 hostages released on Monday:

**Gali Berman and Ziv Berman, 28** The fraternal twins were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Oct. 7 attack. They were the only hostages from their kibbutz still in captivity. Their brother, Liran, noted that this is the longest they have ever been apart.

**Omri Miran, 48** Kidnapped from Nahal Oz Kibbutz, Miran's family was held hostage during the attack. His wife, Lishay, shared that their younger daughter only knows her father through photos and videos.

**Matan Angrest, 22** An Israeli soldier, Angrest was taken from his military tank. His family has been vocal critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his mother addressed him at a rally, expressing her pain and helplessness.

**Eitan Mor, 25** Mor was a security guard at the Nova festival, where he helped evacuate injured attendees. His family founded the Tikva Forum, advocating for military pressure to secure the release of hostages.

**Alon Ohel, 24** Ohel was kidnapped from a mobile bomb shelter at the Nova festival. His family has placed pianos around Israel to raise awareness of his situation. He has suffered injuries, including shrapnel in his eye.

**Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24** Abducted from the Nova festival, Gilboa-Dalal appeared in videos released by Hamas, pleading for freedom alongside his friend, Evyatar David.

**Elkana Bohbot, 36** Bohbot was also taken from the Nova festival. He has appeared in videos under duress, including a staged phone call with his family.

**Rom Braslavski, 21** Braslavski was a security guard at the Nova festival and was injured while trying to help others. Videos of him in captivity have sparked public outrage and protests.

**Nimrod Cohen, 21** Cohen was taken from his tank. His family has been deeply affected, with his mother creating a Passover haggadah in honor of hostages.

**Ariel Cunio, 28** Cunio was kidnapped from Nir Oz Kibbutz with his girlfriend. His family had just returned from South America before the attack.

**David Cunio, 35** David was taken with his wife and children from Nir Oz Kibbutz. His family has shared the emotional toll of his absence during significant family milestones.

**Evyatar David, 24** David was taken at the Nova festival and has appeared in distressing videos, which have galvanized public protests.

**Maksym Harkin, 37** Harkin was abducted from the Nova festival, where he had attended for the first time. He is a father and the primary provider for his family.

The release of these hostages marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, as families await the return of their loved ones and the resolution of a prolonged humanitarian crisis.