Hamas released seven Israeli hostages on Monday, October 13, 2025, marking the first phase of releases under a Trump-brokered ceasefire that officially ended the two-year-long Gaza war. The exchange comes as part of a wider 20-point peace plan designed to demilitarize and rebuild Gaza under international supervision.
Key Facts
- Event: Hamas frees 7 hostages after 738 days in captivity.
- When: Monday, October 13, 2025 – 9:00 GMT.
- Where: Gaza City → Re’im Military Base, Israel.
- Hostages Released:
- Matan Angrest (22)
- Gali & Ziv Berman (28)
- Alon Ohel (24)
- Eitan Abraham Mor (25)
- Omri Miran
- Guy Gilboa-Dalal
- Total Hostages to be Freed: 20 living + 28 bodies in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Mediators: US, Egypt, Qatar, UAE, Turkey.
- Ceasefire Plan: Announced Sept 29, signed Oct 9, 2025.
Notable Quotes
- Donald Trump: “The war is over. You understand that.”
- Benjamin Netanyahu: “Tomorrow, children will return to their border.”
- JD Vance: “These hostages are going to live their lives thanks to what the United States of America did.”
Background
- The hostages were taken during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the Gaza war.
- Of the 251 people abducted, 20 are alive and being released, 28 confirmed dead.
- Israel has launched “Operation Returning Home” to manage the recovery and reintegration process.
Global & Political Angle
- US Diplomatic Win: Trump personally traveled to Israel for the deal, marking a major foreign policy milestone.
- Regional Stabilization: Ceasefire involves multinational monitoring forces (200 troops) to enforce compliance.
- Reconstruction: 600 aid trucks/day, Gaza rebuilding plans to follow peace summit in Egypt.
Humanitarian Impact
- Hostages received at Israeli hospitals for medical and psychological support.
- Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square saw massive public celebrations.
- Families reunited after more than two years of uncertainty.
Long-Term Implications
- Ceasefire initiates a 3-stage peace plan:
- Hostage release & prisoner exchange
- Gaza demilitarization
- Internationally supervised reconstruction and governance transition.
- Political Payoff: Trump’s success strengthens US diplomatic leverage; Netanyahu gains temporary domestic relief.
FAQ
Q1: How long were the hostages held?
738 days — since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Q2: How many hostages are still held?
20 living hostages were part of the final deal; 28 deceased bodies are being returned.
Q3: What did Israel give in exchange?
Release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 with life sentences.
Q4: Who brokered the deal?
The US under President Donald Trump, with Qatar, Egypt, UAE, and Turkey as mediators.
Q5: What happens next?
International peace summit in Egypt → Gaza demilitarization and reconstruction.
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