According to Israel, 22-year-old Matan, an IDF soldier who served on a combat unit, was taken by Hamas militants from his tank near Nahal Oz.

Matan has three siblings and is “known for his kind spirit, determination and love of sports,” Israel

(NewsNation) — After more than two years in captivity, the release of dozens of remaining Israeli hostages began in the early hours of Monday morning by Hamas.

Follow along with NewsNation’s live special coverage of the historic hostage release here.

The war began on Oct. 7, 2023 when Hamas-led militants attacked several parts of Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 people hostage. Since Israel’s ensuing offensive, more than 67,600 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Sunday marked 737 days since the hostages were taken and Israel said it expects 20 living hostages to be released Monday. It reportedly appeared unlikely that the remains of up to 28 others would be returned at the same time.

Medical experts and advocates say that it would be crucial to begin the healing process for many families, and for society at large, but the Associated Press reports one ceasefire document contains stipulations for remains that aren’t returned within 72 hours. On Sunday, Israel said “an international body” will help locate the remains if they are not released.

The release comes after the group accepted a ceasefire deal last week in exchange for the release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. About 1,700 of those prisoners were people who were detained by troops in Gaza during the war and were held without charge since. Also among this group are 250 Palestinians serving prison sentences.

Who are the hostages who have been released?

Seven hostages were released by Hamas just after 1 a.m. ET to the Red Cross who then worked with Israel to transfer them to Israeli territory.

Here’s what we know about them so far:

Matan Angrest

According to Israel, 22-year-old Matan, an IDF soldier who served on a combat unit, was taken by Hamas militants from his tank near Nahal Oz.

Matan has three siblings and is “known for his kind spirit, determination and love of sports,” Israel wrote on X in its post welcoming his release. “He once played for Hapoel Haifa’s youth soccer team and is a Maccabi Haifa fan.”

Guy Gilboa-Dalal

Guy Gilboa-Dalal was 24 years old and attending the Nova music festival when Hamas militants attacked the festival, killing hundreds and taking several hostages, including Gilboa-Dalal and his lifelong friend Evyatar David.

While in captivity, he was reportedly subject to “severe conditions” that included “extreme dehydration,” which left him temporarily unable to speak, Israel wrote. He also lost hearing in one ear.

Israeli officials say Gilboa-Dalal was passionate about Japanese culture, anime and had been studying Japanese and planning a trip to the country.

Alon Ohel

Israel says Alon Ohel, 24, was kidnapped by Hamas militants from a bomb shelter near the Nova music festival after a deadly attack led to hundreds of deaths.

“Alon suffered serious injuries, including the loss of vision in one eye,” Israel wrote. “His second eye is also at risk. Released hostages confirmed Alon was held under brutal conditions, chained in tunnels and deprived of decent medical treatment.

Ohel is a pianist who planned to study jazz in Tel Aviv before he was taken hostage on Oct. 7.

Omri Miran

The 48-year-old father of two was kidnapped by Hamas militants who attacked the Kibbutz Nahal Oz where Omri Miran lived with his wife Lishay and two daughters.

Videos released by Hamas showed him in “dire conditions, pleading to return home,” Israel wrote. “He is known as a family man who fought to stay alive for his daughters.”

Ziv and Gali Berman

Ziv Berman, 28, and his twin brother Gali were both kidnapped by Hamas militants from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.

The brothers worked together as sound and light technicians and often collaborated on music and even projects, Israel wrote. ” Ziv and Gali also work on Israel’s iconic annual “Festigal” where everyone is waiting for him.”

The two were reportedly held apart during their captivity.

Ziv was described by loved ones as someone who enjoys shopping, collecting perfume and balancing work and play. Gali was described as “warm-hearted and outgoing.”

The brothers will be reunited with their two older brothers and parents.

Eitan Abraham Mor

The 25-year-old was kidnapped by Hamas from the Nova Music Festival, where he worked.

Mor was born and lived in Jerusalem and is the oldest of Efrat and Tzvika Mor’s eight children. Before his 9kidnapping, he worked as a barista in Jerusalem and had a deep connection with his dog.

Israel said he reportedly saved others during the attack, helping to evacuate people under dangerous conditions.

This story will be updated as more hostages are released.