13 more Israeli hostages held in Gaza freed, Trump lands in Israel

The Israeli military confirmed that Hamas had handed over a second group of 13 surviving hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza on Monday, completing the release of all 20 living captives.

"According to information provided by the Red Cross, 13 hostages have been transferred into their custody and are on their way to IDF (military) and ISA (security agency) forces in the Gaza Strip," the military said in a statement.

The second and final group of 13 living Israeli hostages has been transferred from the Red Cross to the Israeli military.

No more living Israeli hostages

A group of seven hostages was released earlier. It means Hamas and its allies in Gaza are not holding any living hostages for the first time in more than two years.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people in Gaza are awaiting the release of 1,718 Palestinian detainees held in Israel since October 7, 2023.

As part of the first phase of the US ceasefire agreement, 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences will also be released.

Earlier report

The first seven Israeli hostages were released on Monday, among the 20 living hostages from Gaza, who are expected to return home on Monday (October 13, 2025).

As per the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the first seven hostages released by Hamas militants to the Red Cross are:

• Gali Berman

• Ziv Berman

• Eitan Abraham Mor

• Omri Miran

• Matan Angrest

• Alon Ohel

• Guy Gilboa-Dalal

They will be given an initial medical screening at Re’im field hospital where they will meet their closest family and loved ones for the first time in two years – before being taken to hospitals for comprehensive checks, CNN quoted the Israeli military as saying.

2,000 Palestinian prisoners, detainees

Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israel will also be freed as part of the first crucial phase of the US-brokered ceasefire deal.

The release of Israeli hostages in Gaza is overseen by the Red Cross.

“The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has started a multi-phase operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages and detainees as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas,” it said.

According to multiple reports, Hamas has published the names of more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners expected to be released in this initial phase of the ceasefire deal.

“Today is a day of elation, relief and joy,” says Israeli mother of slain hostage Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was killed by his captors. She told CNN that the release of the living hostages made today “a day of elation, relief and joy.”

Hersh Goldberg-Polin was among the hundreds of young people attending the Nova music festival in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli military body was found in tunnels under Gaza in September 2024.

The operation is being closely monitored as part of the US-brokered agreement aimed at de-escalating the conflict and facilitating humanitarian aid, as per CNN.​

Updates:

• The Red Cross confirmed that the exchange process for hostages has started, with hopes that around 48 Israeli captives will be released.

• These hostages were seized during Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, and have been held for over two years. Israel aims to bring home 20 of these hostages early during this phase.

• ​The Israeli government has identified the hostages, including individuals like musician Alon Ohel and brothers from Kibbutz Nir Oz, among others, with ongoing negotiations and preparations for their safe return.​

Trump en route to Israel

• US President Donald Trump has just landed in Israel, where he is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and address the Israeli Knesset.

• He is also expected to meet with some of the families of the hostages.

• After his visit to Israel, Trump will proceed to Egypt, where a summit involving leaders from more than 20 countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK’s Keir Starmer, will convene to discuss Gaza’s future and regional stability.​

Ceasefire

The ceasefire agreement, brokered with international mediation, permitted the release of the hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Under the deal, Hamas is due to release the remaining captives and allow aid trucks to deliver supplies to displaced residents in Gaza.

International leaders are closely watching the process, emphasising the importance of a durable peace and stability in the region following years of conflict.

The situation remains dynamic with the first phase of the hostage release underway, international visits progressing, and diplomatic efforts continuing to secure a long-term resolution to the conflict.