In a monumental step toward peace, Israel’s military announced on October 13, 2025, that all 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been released after 738 days in captivity. The final group of 13 crossed the border on Monday, marking the successful implementation of a US-brokered 20-point Gaza peace deal. The release, met with emotional celebrations and crowds cheering convoys of freed hostages, coincides with US President Donald Trump’s historic visit to Israel and Egypt to cement the ceasefire.
The hostages, held since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, were freed in two phases: seven on Sunday, followed by the remaining 13 on Monday. Handed over to the International Red Cross, the group was transported to a military base in southern Israel for family reunions before being airlifted to hospitals for medical evaluations, as reported by the Associated Press. The ceasefire agreement saw Hamas release the 20 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, a key component of the deal mediated by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
The October 7 attack, which killed nearly 1,200 people and led to over 250 abductions, sparked a devastating two-year war in Gaza, with Israel’s offensive claiming over 66,000 lives, according to media reports. The ceasefire, which includes provisions for humanitarian aid, phased Israeli troop withdrawals, and Hamas’s disarmament, aims to pave the way for reconstruction and stability in the enclave.
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President Trump arrived at Israel’s Knesset on Monday, accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his wife Sara, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Signing the guestbook, Trump prepared to deliver a landmark address, during which he will receive Israel’s highest civilian honor for his role in brokering the ceasefire. Following his speech, Trump will travel to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for a peace summit with world leaders, including Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as confirmed by Cairo.
The release of the hostages and the ceasefire mark a turning point in the Israel-Hamas conflict, offering hope for lasting peace. As global leaders convene in Egypt, the focus shifts to sustaining the agreement and addressing Gaza’s humanitarian and rebuilding needs, with the international community watching closely.
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