Riccardo Liguori Hamas has handed over seven Israeli hostages to the Red Cross. The release of the other 13 living prisoners is expected today, according to the ceasefire agreement mediated by Qatar and Egypt
After more than two years in captivity, the hostage exchange plan has finally been set in motion: Hamas has released all 20 Israeli hostages, handing them over to the Red Cross, which has already delivered them to Israeli authorities. Families, after months of waiting, gathered near the Gaza border for the reunion.
Photos of the first round of hostages reuniting with family in Israeli territory. pic.twitter.com/Cn4fRdDwYC
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 13, 2025
The first phase of the operation involved seven people from Gaza City, handed over to the Red Cross and then transported to the Re’im reception area, near the border, for initial medical checks.
Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest, who will undergo an initial medical evaluation and reunite with their families at the first reception point in southern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces announced.
🟡 Operation “Returning Home”
Personnel from the IDF Manpower Directorate and IDF medical teams are accompanying Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest, who will undergo an initial medical evaluation, and will reunite with…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2025
The hostages’ families were informed and accompanied by medical and psychological personnel, according to Reuters Agency and The Guardian.
The planned exchange and Palestinian prisoners
The agreement between Israel and Hamas stipulates that, in exchange for the Israeli hostages, thousands of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel will be freed. According to the list approved by the Israeli government, nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees will be released, including 250 serving life sentences. The release of deceased hostages’ bodies is part of the agreement, but the timing remains uncertain: not all remains may be delivered today, due to difficulties in locating them.
Reactions and diplomatic context
In Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered in the “Hostages Square”, applauding during the live broadcast of the announcement.
Powerful moment in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square—cheers erupt as it was announced hostages had been safely returned to Israeli forces. 💛
pic.twitter.com/CJVsrEJUU9— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 13, 2025
In the United States, President Donald Trump — visiting Israel — declared that “the war is over” and that the ceasefire “will hold.” Trump will speak today at the Knesset before heading to the summit in Egypt on Gaza’s future.
However, caution remains within the Israeli government: some ministers reiterated that “pressure on Hamas will not cease until the last hostage is returned or found.”
On the diplomatic front, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey are mediating to ensure that Hamas fully honors its commitments and initiates a gradual disarmament of militias still active.
Sources: Reuters / The Guardian / IDF
