Israel: Freed hostage speaks with mother for the first time since captivity as additional hostages are transferred

Source: nypost

An Israeli mother, Einav Zangauker, was able to video-chat with her 25-year-old son, former hostage Matan Zangauker, for the first time since he was taken captive during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

In a video posted on X by the Jerusalem Post, Einav is heard telling her son, “You’re coming home! You’re all coming home!” and adding, “There’s no more war,” during the call.

Einav said this was her first conversation with Matan since he was taken from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his partner, Ilana Gritzewsky, who was freed from Hamas captivity in November 2023.

Earlier the same day, Hamas handed over a first group of seven Israeli hostages to the Red Cross; those released included Matan Angrest, 22, and twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, 28.
A second group of 13 Israeli hostages was subsequently transferred by Hamas to the Red Cross.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the recovered hostages were being taken to a military base for medical checks before being reunited with their families.