All living Israeli hostages returned as part of a ceasefire agreement mediated by the US.
Palestinian militant group Hamas has released all living Israeli hostages in a significant development related to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This agreement was proposed by United States President Donald Trump. Following the release, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed via social media that 13 returning hostages were being escorted back to Israel by IDF and ISA (Intelligence Support Activity) forces for an initial medical assessment. The Israeli military stated that there are no remaining living Israeli hostages in Hamas custody, although the bodies of 28 hostages are still reported to be held by the group.
Earlier on the same day, the IDF had announced that seven individuals, including Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran, and Matan Angrest, had successfully crossed into Israel. They are currently on their way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they are expected to reunite with their families. The IDF also prepared for the possible reception of additional hostages, who may be transferred to the Red Cross.
This release of hostages comes two days after the Israeli government confirmed that the ceasefire agreement had come into effect. The Cabinet had approved the agreement on Friday, thereby facilitating the suspension of hostilities in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. This decision followed Trump’s announcement that both Israel and Hamas had agreed to the initial phase of the peace plan for Gaza, which involves a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
As the hostages were being released, Trump arrived in Israel to address the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, before heading to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for a global summit focused on ending the conflict in Gaza. Trump expressed optimism about the ceasefire, stating, “The war is over,” as he departed for Israel. Following the Cabinet’s approval of the ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that the government had sanctioned the release framework for all hostages, both living and deceased.
Khalil al-Hayya, the head of Hamas’ negotiating team, indicated that the group had received assurances from the US and other mediators that the ceasefire agreement signifies the end of hostilities in Gaza. However, discussions remain ongoing regarding the subsequent steps outlined in Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which encompasses issues such as disarmament, governance of Gaza, and the potential demilitarization of Hamas.
The backdrop of these developments is a prolonged military offensive initiated by Israel in October 2023, following an incursion by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in southern Israel and led to numerous hostages being taken. Since then, Israel has conducted extensive air and ground strikes in Gaza, resulting in a staggering death toll exceeding 67,000. The situation in Gaza has drawn international concern, with the United Nations declaring a famine in northern regions and a commission of inquiry citing potential genocide against Palestinians by Israel, a claim that Israel has vehemently denied.
Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing since July, with earlier efforts at restoring a brief ceasefire stalling due to disagreements. The peace plan proposed by Trump outlines a timeline for the release of hostages and the conditions under which Palestinian prisoners will be freed, while also ensuring that Hamas does not hold a governing role in Gaza.
