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First hostages released under ceasefire deal
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire began with the release of seven Israeli hostages on Monday, October 13 2025.
According to Israel, Hamas handed the hostages to the International Red Cross in southern Gaza.
This marks the first exchange since the war began two years ago.
No immediate details were shared about the hostages’ health.
Hamas said 20 living hostages will be freed in return for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Families of the hostages celebrated after Israeli television confirmed the release.
Trump departs on peace mission to Israel and Egypt
U.S. President Donald Trump left for Israel and Egypt on Sunday, October 12, calling the visit a “high-stakes peace trip.”
Before leaving, he declared, “The war is over in Gaza.”
The White House described the visit as a mission to consolidate the new Israel-Hamas ceasefire and to ensure the safe release of all hostages.
Summit for Peace set to begin
The U.S. and Egyptian presidents will co-chair a global gathering titled “The Summit for Peace.”
Leaders from Turkey, Jordan, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, the U.N., and the European Union have confirmed attendance.
Israel and Hamas will not participate directly, but both are expected to monitor discussions closely.
The meeting aims to end the two-year war in Gaza and establish a long-term political framework for stability.
Israel has already rejected any role in Gaza for the Palestinian Authority, whose leadership will attend the summit.
Lists of hostages and prisoners released
Hamas published the names of 20 Israeli hostages to be freed in the first phase of the deal.
The list includes Bar Abraham Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, and others.
In exchange, Israel will release more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, whose names were also made public by Hamas on Monday.
Global reaction and outlook
World leaders welcomed the initial release as a “step toward peace.”
Humanitarian agencies, including the Red Cross and the U.N., called for continued cooperation to secure all remaining hostages.
Observers say the next few days will determine whether the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire can hold and lead to a permanent end to the conflict.
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