TL;DR: Hamas released 7 Israeli hostages on Oct. 13, 2025, under a U.S.-led ceasefire deal; 13 more are expected, in exchange for 1,900+ Palestinian prisoners.
Hostage Release Begins
- On October 13, 2025, Hamas released 7 Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza City.
- The hostages were seized during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,139 people in Israel and abducted 251.
- 13 additional living hostages are expected to be released the same day, as part of the agreement.
- The released individuals include Matan Angrest, Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Omri Miran.
- This marks the final phase of hostage releases following earlier deals in November 2024 and early 2025.
Ceasefire Deal Terms
- Under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal announced October 8, Hamas is to release 20 living hostages and 28 bodies.
- In return, Israel will release 1,700-2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences.
- Israel began prisoner releases from sites like Ofer Prison on October 13.
- The ceasefire took effect on October 10, giving Hamas 72 hours (until noon local time on Oct. 13) to complete the releases.
Humanitarian and Military Developments
- Israel has partially withdrawn forces to a pre-agreed line in Gaza.
- Aid and fuel are entering Gaza; displaced Palestinians are returning north amid widespread destruction.
- The Rafah border crossing is set to reopen on October 14 for humanitarian access.
Key Figures and Reactions
- U.S. President Donald Trump: Declared the Gaza war "over", en route to the region for a peace summit in Egypt.
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu: Called it a "big day", and launched “Operation Returning Home” to aid returning hostages.
- Families of hostages are gathering at hospitals, the Gaza border, and Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.
- Palestinian response: Gazans await prisoner releases; Hamas plans events for returnees, calling the deal a success.
Hostage Status Overview
- Of the 251 original hostages:
- 155 returned alive via prior deals, rescues, or escapes.
- 58 bodies repatriated.
- 75 confirmed dead, including some killed during captivity or in Israeli strikes.
- 48 remained before this deal: 20 alive, 28 deceased.
Next Steps
- Following the hostage exchange, world leaders will meet in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss Gaza’s future governance.
- Trump’s 20-point peace plan reportedly excludes any future Hamas role in Gaza administration.