Vehicles carrying hostages who were released by Hamas from the Gaza Strip arrive to the Reim military base near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on October 13, 2025. The Palestinian militant group was set to release all surviving Israeli hostages on October 13 in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, as the US president headed to the region for a peace summit having declared the war "over". (Photo by MAYA LEVIN / AFP)
Hamas on Monday released all 20 surviving Israeli hostages, marking a major step toward ending two years of devastating conflict in Gaza and ushering in cautious optimism for lasting peace.
The Israeli military confirmed the release after receiving the final 13 hostages, following the earlier handover of seven others. The news set off emotional celebrations in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where crowds of families and supporters gathered, waving flags and embracing as names of the freed were announced.
“I am so excited. I am full of happiness. It’s hard to imagine how I feel this moment,” said Viki Cohen, mother of released hostage Nimrod Cohen, as she travelled to Reim military base to reunite with her son.
The release was part of a US-brokered ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, which also saw buses carrying freed Palestinian detainees depart Israeli prisons for Gaza on Monday. The agreement, mediated by President Donald Trump, is seen as a significant diplomatic achievement aimed at halting the long-running war.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Trump, who arrived in Israel to address the Knesset, called the development “a great day” and “a new beginning.” When asked if the Gaza war was over, he replied simply: “Yes.”
The releases mark the most tangible progress yet under the truce reached in Egypt last week, as regional and international leaders prepare to meet in Cairo to discuss reconstruction and long-term stability in Gaza.
Two years of fighting have left Gaza in ruins, displaced millions, and caused immense loss of life. Monday’s coordinated release, however, offered a rare moment of hope, unity, and relief on both sides.
Melissa Enoch
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