“Welcome home,” wrote the Israeli Foreign Ministry to announce to the world that the hostages held by Hamas were on their way home.
The senior official published a list of those who were able to return alive. The first of them was Elkana Bohbot, a Colombian.
Also returning were Rom Braslavski, Nimrod Cohen, Ariel and David Cunio, Evyatar David, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Segev Kalfon, Bar Kuperstein, Yosef Haim Ohana, Avinatan Or and Matan Zangauker, released on the 378th day of their captivity.
President Gustavo Petro left a message in the last few hours. “I hope for the release of a Colombian/Israeli hostage held by Hamas, Elkana Bohbot. May he be reunited with his wife and son. I hope they come to Colombia so I can welcome them with the love of the Colombian people,” the president stated.
I hope for the freedom of a Colombian/Israeli hostage. Hamas. Elkana Bohbot. May he be reunited with his wife and son.
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) October 13, 2025
I hope they come to Colombia so we can welcome them with the love of the Colombian people
The president detailed a call he received informing him that the Colombian citizen was now free."President, good morning. Elkana Bohbot is now with the Red Cross on her way to Israel. Odette. Colombian Ambassador to Qatar. May happiness flourish for Elkana, his wife, and his son," Petro said.
Former Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia also celebrated this event. “I had the opportunity to speak with Rebecca many times, understanding her pain and anguish over her husband's release. Today I am filled with joy that her dream has been fulfilled, and the family will be whole again. Welcome, Elkana!”
The first images of the reunion between Bohbot and González have now been released, and were shared by Marcos Peckel, director of the Jewish community in Colombia. “This photo says it all. Our compatriot Elkana Bohbot in the arms of his wife Rebeca. The nightmare is over. Am Israel Jai,” he stated.
This photo says it all. Our compatriot Elkana Bohbot in the arms of his wife Rebeca. The nightmare is over. Am Israel Jai. @bringelkanahome
— Marcos Peckel (@marcospeckel) October 13, 2025
González expressed her excitement about this event in a social media post she created with the goal of bringing her husband back."This moment has become a reality thanks to all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this day a reality. After so long, a sea of boundless joy has finally returned to my life," she said.
This moment has come true because of all of you. 🧡🎗️
— Bring Elkana Home 🎗️ (@bringelkanahome) October 13, 2025
From the depths of my heart, thank you for making this day a reality. 🙏🙏
After so long, a boundless sea of joy has finally returned to my life. 🌊💛 pic.twitter.com/Yf4DMiS7R8
Bohbot was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, when Hamas disrupted the Nova Festival which was taking place near the Gaza Strip, where more than 370 people were killed, along with dozens of others kidnapped. The Colombian was one of the festival's producers.
In the midst of Bohbot's captivity, a video was released as proof of survival in which he was seen exhausted by the situation he was experiencing.
González recently recounted her experience of the process and how she was awaiting her husband's release. The Israeli Army informed her of the protocol that would be established to bring him back and the care plan that would be provided to verify his health.
One of the most touching details is that Bohbot will be able to see his son, who was just a baby when he was kidnapped by Hamas.
The release of the hostages was made possible thanks to an agreement reached between the terrorist group and Israel after talks mediated by US President Donald Trump, who is already in Israeli territory and was received with a standing ovation by the country's parliament.
A summit will be held in Egypt in the coming hours, attended by several world leaders from different countries. The summit will discuss the achievements in the Gaza Strip. According to the Israeli Prime Minister's account, Trump invited Benjamin Netanyahu, but he will not be able to attend due to the start of the festivities.
In this sense, Trump will arrive in Sharm el Sheikh to preside, together with the president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al Sisi, the Peace Summit, which will be attended by leaders and foreign ministers of at least 20 countries, with the presence of the United Nations to address the agreement reached in Gaza that for now seems to put an end to the war in the Middle East.
