Hamas has released Israeli captives as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) overseeing their transfer. Among those freed were twins Gali and Ziv Berman. Their reunion, documented in a series of touching photographs, has deeply moved people across the internet.
“Gali and Ziv Berman, free and back home,” stated a tweet from the official X account of the Embassy of Israel in London, accompanying images of the siblings’ emotional embrace.
The brothers were reportedly separated during their captivity, despite being abducted on the same day, October 7, 2023. Their older brother, Liran Berman, shared with CBS News that this was the longest period the twins had ever been apart, highlighting their close bond despite their different personalities.
According to reports, the twins were taken from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during an attack that tragically claimed the lives of several residents. Gali was abducted after leaving his safe room to assist a neighbor, armed only with a kitchen knife. Ziv was captured when his home was set on fire shortly after his brother was taken.
Initially, their family lived in agonizing uncertainty about their fate. It was nearly a week after their abduction that they received confirmation that the twins were alive and being held hostage.
Who are Gali and Ziv Berman?
Before their abduction, the brothers worked as lighting technicians. Their family had organized their work schedules to accommodate their father’s care, as he suffers from Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.
As part of the initial phase of the U.S.-brokered deal, Hamas released all living hostages. In return, Israel freed approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.