Hamas frees all 20 living hostages in dramatic ceasefire deal
In a watershed moment in the Israel–Hamas conflict, all 20 living hostages held by Hamas were released on Monday, as part of a major ceasefire agreement. In return, Israel has begun releasing close to 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Tel Aviv on Air Force One earlier that day, greeted by a red‑carpet welcome. He is due to speak at the Knesset in Jerusalem before traveling on to Egypt for a peace summit.
Monday marked the 738th day since the kidnappings, a figure many Israelis tracked daily in public life. The Israeli military confirmed that 20 live hostages were repatriated, reunited with their families, and transferred to hospital care.
Hamas initially released seven, then thirteen hostages today, under the agreement. Israel is set to free more than 1,900 Palestinian detainees as part of the exchange.
It’s not yet clear whether the remains of up to 28 deceased hostages will be returned in this same phase. While some documents demand that bodies be handed over within 72 hours of hostilities ending, that deadline looms dangerously close.
Israel has announced that “an international body” will assist in locating those remains if they are not delivered by that cutoff.
Buses carrying dozens of freed Palestinian prisoners rolled into Ramallah and Gaza today. These are among some 1,700 people held without charge, plus 250 serving sentences. Many belong to Hamas and Fatah.
Some will be released into Gaza or the West Bank; others may be sent into exile. What remains unresolved is who exactly goes where, and whether mass deportations will follow.
Humanitarian agencies are gearing up for a surge of deliveries into Gaza, devastated by years of conflict.
Around 400 aid trucks departed from Egypt and await Israeli inspection. Under the ceasefire, 600 trucks daily are expected to enter Gaza eventually.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned in August that famine had already gripped Gaza City, and threatened to spread southwards if aid restrictions remained in place.
Reconstruction of shattered infrastructure now looms as the next gargantuan task.
Having brokered the deal, Mr. Trump arrived in Israel to thunderous applause. He met Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, along with his delegation.
NOW: President Trump meets with the hostage families after ALL 20 living hostages were released by Hamas thanks to his deal
“I want to sincerely thank you!”
pic.twitter.com/PuUn7vWTjG— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 13, 2025
Following his address to the Knesset, he departs for Egypt to join regional leaders at a peace summit. The expectation is that he will then return to the U.S. overnight on Tuesday.
The hostage exchange and ceasefire represent only the opening act. Israel continues to insist on Hamas disarmament; Hamas demands the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
The future of Gaza’s governance, long under Hamas rule, remains unresolved, along with questions of accountability, sovereignty, and security.
Gaza’s Health Ministry, part of the Hamas administration, reports that half of the 67,600 reported deaths are women and children, though independent observers debate the accuracy of such figures.
“Today, twenty families are spared the unbearable pain of not knowing if they will ever see their loved ones again.”
“Bringing their bodies home is a must and an act of dignity and honors their memory forever.”
This is a major step towards peace. But many obstacles remain. The Middle East watches closely.
