After more than two years of captivity, the hostage exchange plan has finally set in motion: Hamas has released all 20 Israeli hostages, entrusting them to the Red Cross, which has already handed them over to the Israeli authorities. The families, after months of waiting, gathered near the border with Gaza 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 reception area of Re’im, near the border, for the first medical checks.
Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest, who will undergo an initial medical assessment and be reunited with their families at the first reception point in southern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces said.
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 families of the hostages were informed and followed by medical and psychological staff, we read in the Reuters Agency and The Guardian.
The planned exchange and the Palestinian prisoners
The agreement between Israel and Hamas provides that, in exchange for the Israeli hostages, thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel will be released. According to the list approved by the Israeli government, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released, including 250 sentenced to life in prison. The release of the bodies of the deceased hostages is part of the agreement, but the timing remains uncertain: not all the bodies could be delivered today, due to localization difficulties.
The reactions and the diplomatic context
In Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered in “Hostage 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 — on a visit to Israel — declared that “the war is over” and that the ceasefire “will hold.” Trump will speak to the Knesset today before traveling to a summit in Egypt on the future of Gaza.
However, caution remains in the Israeli government: some ministers have reiterated that “the pressure on Hamas will not cease until the last hostage is returned or found”.
On the diplomatic front, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye are mediating to ensure that Hamas fully respects its commitments and begins a gradual disarmament of the militias still active.
Sources: Reuters / The Guardian / IDF
