Hamas begins Israeli hostage release in Gaza ceasefire

Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy and Melandie Lidman | October 13, 2025

Seven living hostages freed by Hamas have returned to Israel, the military says, the first to be released as part of a ceasefire that paused two years of war between Israel and Hamas in the devastated Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military confirmed on Monday the hostages were in their custody. There was no immediate word on their condition. 

Hamas has said 20 living hostages will be exchanged for more than 1900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross. 

Tens of thousands of Israelis were watching the transfers at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv.

Palestinians awaited the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel. 

US President Donald Trump has landed in Israel to discuss the US-proposed deal and postwar plans. 

A surge of humanitarian aid was expected into famine-stricken Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless.

While major questions remain about the future of Hamas and Gaza, the exchange of hostages and prisoners marked a key step towards ending the deadliest war ever between Israel and the militant group.

The hostages’ return caps a painful chapter for Israel. 

Since they were captured in the October 2023 Hamas attack that ignited the war, newscasts have marked their days in captivity and Israelis have worn yellow pins and ribbons in solidarity. 

Tens of thousands have joined their families in weekly demonstrations calling for their release.

As the war dragged on, demonstrators accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of dragging his feet for political purposes, even as he accused Hamas of intransigence. 

Last week, under heavy international pressure and increasing isolation for Israel, the bitter enemies agreed to the ceasefire.

The living hostages were handed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and then to the Israeli military, which will take them to the Reim military base to be reunited with families. 

It is unlikely the remains of up to 28 other hostages will be returned at the same time. 

The timing has not been announced for the release of Palestinian prisoners. 

They include 250 people serving life sentences for convictions in attacks on Israelis, as well as 1700 seized from Gaza during the war and held without charge. 

Trump was first visiting Israel, where a White House schedule said he would meet families of the hostages and speak at Israel’s parliament. 

“The war is over,” Trump asserted to reporters as he departed, adding he thought the ceasefire would hold. 

Trump will continue to Egypt, where President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi’s office said he would co-chair a “peace summit” on Monday with regional and international leaders, including Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority. 

Netanyahu has rejected any role in postwar Gaza for Abbas, though the US plan leaves the possibility open if his Palestinian Authority undergoes reforms. 

Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007.

Other key questions in the ceasefire deal have yet to be resolved, including the future governance of Gaza and who will pay for a billion-dollar reconstruction process. 

Israel wants to ensure the weakened Hamas disarms, and Netanyahu has warned Israel could do it “the hard way”. 

Hamas refuses to disarm and wants to ensure Israel pulls its troops completely out of Gaza.

The Israeli military has withdrawn from much of Gaza City, the southern city of Khan Younis and other areas. 

The United Nations says Israel has approved 190,000 tonnes of aid to enter Gaza, which was besieged after Israel ended the previous ceasefire in March.

The war began when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which some 1200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage.

In Israel’s ensuing offensive, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The war has destroyed large swathes of Gaza and displaced about 90 per cent of its two million residents. 

It has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies.