Hamas has released the last 20 living Israeli hostages still held since the October 2023 attacks, marking a significant turning point in efforts to end the Gaza conflict.
Israeli officials confirmed that all surviving captives were transferred to the Red Cross before being escorted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for medical evaluations.
Seven hostages were freed in an initial batch, followed by the remaining 13, completing the list of all living captives under Hamas custody.
“The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel,” IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani posted on X.
The militant group Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, had kidnapped 251 people during its October 7, 2023, cross-border attacks on Israel.
As part of the initial phase of the peace agreement, Hamas is expected to return the bodies of 26 hostages declared dead by Israeli authorities, a move aimed at bringing closure to grieving families.
In a reciprocal step, Israel plans to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners under the terms of the truce. The coordinated exchange is seen as the foundation of a broader regional peace framework that still faces significant challenges ahead.
President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, praised the release, writing on X, “It’s deeply gratifying to know that so many families will finally have their loved ones home.
Today, twenty families are spared the unbearable pain of not knowing if they will ever see their loved ones again. But even in this moment of relief and happiness, my heart aches for those whose loved ones will not return alive. Bringing their bodies home is a must and an act of dignity and honors their memory forever.”
Trump, who has played a central role in brokering the ceasefire, will meet privately with families of the freed hostages during his visit to Israel. He is expected to address Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset before traveling to Egypt for the official peace deal signing ceremony.
“The war is over,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to the Middle East, though analysts caution that this represents only the first stage of a fragile peace process.
The success of the deal will hinge on both Israel and Hamas fulfilling their obligations, signaling whether a lasting calm in Gaza is finally within reach.
