First set of Israeli hostages freed from Gaza as part of ceasefire deal

The first seven Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been released and handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, Israeli authorities confirmed on Monday. The hostages are set to cross into Israel, where they will be transferred to a military base in the south and reunited with their families before being taken to hospitals by helicopter.

Hamas has announced that a total of 20 living hostages will be released in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, under the US-brokered ceasefire that has paused a two-year conflict between the sides. Families and friends of the hostages in Israel celebrated the news, with television broadcasts capturing scenes of joyous reunions.

Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, relatives of Palestinian prisoners gathered near Ofer Prison in anticipation of the release of some 250 long-term detainees. Many of these prisoners have served sentences of up to four decades for offences including murder and attacks.

Israel and Hamas agree on first-phase peace deal, hostages set for release

Welcome Home, Alon Ohel

Alon, 24, was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023 from a bomb shelter at the Nova music festival.

Alon suffered serious injuries, including the loss of vision in one eye. His second eye is also at risk.

Released hostages confirmed Alon was held under… pic.twitter.com/G53OQa8Zhg

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) October 13, 2025

The Red Cross has teamed up with Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip ahead of the release of the first hostages:

The 7 hostages are walking on their feet!

Guy Gilboa Dalal is the 7th hostage handed over in the first phase now. pic.twitter.com/e1068rKYo7

— Ncole ✡︎ (@ncole_r) October 13, 2025

Surreal to be here as first group of hostages are released. It’s a moment like the moon landing where time freezes as we watch this historic moment. pic.twitter.com/KliJQlNepX

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) October 13, 2025

While families welcomed the development, some expressed concern that certain prisoners, despite being freed, would be deported abroad.

The exchanges mark a significant step in the fragile ceasefire and offer cautious hope for a broader peace process. Aid is expected to flow into Gaza, which has faced severe humanitarian challenges during the conflict.

US President Donald Trump is travelling to Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, address the Israeli parliament, and meet families of the freed hostages. He will then proceed to Egypt to attend a summit on Gaza’s reconstruction, where leaders from over 20 countries, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are expected to participate.

The coordinated release of hostages and prisoners represents the first crucial phase of the ceasefire and is being closely watched internationally as a test of stability in the region.