In a landmark moment following weeks of negotiations, Hamas has released all remaining 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza, as part of a broader ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal.
The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross and transferred to Israeli security agencies (IDF, Shin Bet) in Gaza before being flown back to Israel and reunited with waiting families.
Exchange terms: Palestinian prisoners & bodies of deceased
- As part of the deal, 1,966 Palestinian prisoners and detainees were slated for release, including long-term inmates and those held since the onset of the war.
- Hamas also committed to returning the bodies of four of the 28 deceased hostages; timing for the rest remains uncertain.
Political reactions: Trump calls for peace, Netanyahu welcomed release
Shortly after the releases, U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Israel and addressed the Knesset, urging a commitment to peace:
“This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence … The total focus of Gazans must be on restoring stability, safety, dignity …”
In the capital, tens of thousands had gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to watch the livestreamed returns. Families expressed overwhelming joy at long-awaited reunions.
Challenges ahead: implementing ceasefire and ensuring compliance
While the hostage swap is a major breakthrough, several tensions and questions persist:
- Israel is expected to begin partial troop withdrawals linked to the agreement, but mapping and implementation must be managed carefully.
- Hamas’s disarmament remains controversial — some reports suggest they may relinquish missiles, but still retain small arms and resist full demilitarisation.
- The return of the remaining bodies of deceased hostages is contentious and may trigger further diplomatic strain.
- Critics warn that future phases of the agreement depend on trust, monitoring, and whether both sides adhere to the deal under intense political pressure.
