Release of Israeli hostages begins; 7 released so far
What's the story
The Red Cross has said that the release of living Israeli hostages from Gaza has begun. So far, seven of the 20 living hostages have been released by Hamas to the Red Cross. They will soon be handed to the Israeli military, the IDF confirmed. In exchange for the hostages, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israel will be released as part of the first critical phase of the US-brokered cease-fire deal.
Ceasefire terms
Thousands gather in Hostages Square
Thousands of people gathered in Hostages Square to cheer as word spread that the process of handing over captives to the Red Cross had begun. The names of the 20 hostages to be released include Bar Abraham Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Angrest, Matan Zangauker, Eitan Horn, Eitan Abraham Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, Ariel Cunio, and David Cunio.
Conflict milestone
Over 67,000 Palestinians killed in war
Vehicles bearing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) logo, expected to transport released Palestinian prisoners and detainees, can be seen moving through Gaza's Khan Younis, according to Reuters footage. Israel's national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), has also readied its emergency medical services to assist in the return of these hostages. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched Operation "Returning Home" to facilitate their release.
Twitter Post
Visuals from Hostages Square
🚨 FIRST HOSTAGES RELEASED
— Kiera Diss (@KieraDiss) October 13, 2025
Amazing scenes as the announcement 7 hostages are now safely in Israeli hands 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/jTqP4rz9tx
Trump
Trump on way to Israel
As the exchange is underway, US President Donald Trump is on his way to Israel, where he is due to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and address the parliament later. Trump will also meet with families of the hostages. Trump will then travel to Egypt, where leaders from over 20 countries, including France's Emmanuel Macron and the United Kingdom's Keir Starmer, will attend a summit on Gaza's future.