Israeli Hostages Released: This TrenBuzz guide explains the release of the final living Israeli hostages from Gaza, the basic terms of the deal, who was freed, and the immediate political and humanitarian fallout. I keep each paragraph short and sourced so you can scan quickly and verify details.
Quick headline (Israeli Hostages Released)
All 20 remaining living Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released under a U.S.-backed ceasefire and prisoner-exchange deal on October 13, 2025.
1) What exactly happened today
Hamas transferred 20 surviving hostages to the Red Cross and they were handed over to Israeli forces and medical teams today as part of a ceasefire implementation. The returns followed a negotiated, phased exchange that also includes the transfer of many Palestinian detainees from Israeli jails.
2) How long were they held?
The hostages had been held for more than two years — roughly 737–738 days since the October 7, 2023 attacks — making these returns the end of the longest mass-captivity episode in recent Israeli history. Families and crowds in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv reacted with visible relief and celebration.
3) Numbers matter — what was taken and what was exchanged
Israel’s official counts put the number of people taken on Oct 7, 2023 at roughly 250; over the past two years dozens were freed in earlier deals and some were killed. The latest deal returned the final 20 living hostages; the exchange terms include the release or transfer of roughly 1,700–2,000 Palestinian prisoners/detainees — reporting varies by outlet and phase.
4) Were bodies returned too?
Yes — the deal and implementation included the transfer of remains. International and Israeli officials confirmed the repatriation of deceased hostages’ bodies in a parallel process; reporting around the exact number of bodies returned in the first phase differs, and Israeli authorities said 28 deceased hostages are to be retrieved under the overall agreement.
5) Who are some of the people released?
Journalists and local outlets named a number of those freed in the first stages — among them Evyatar David, twins Ziv and Gali Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel and others who had been widely reported missing since Oct 7, 2023. Families received the returning captives; many were taken immediately to hospitals for medical checks.
6) Who brokered the deal and what role did world leaders play?
The agreement was mediated by regional and international actors with prominent U.S. involvement; President Donald Trump travelled to the region and addressed the Knesset as part of the diplomatic push marking the transfer. Qatar, Egypt and Turkey were reported as key intermediaries over the past weeks and months.
7) Is this a full end to the war?
No — the release is a crucial step but not a guaranteed end to hostilities. Reports describe a multi-point ceasefire and a 60-day humanitarian pause tied to further negotiations over Gaza’s future and security arrangements. Observers caution that implementation and violations will determine whether a longer peace holds.
8) How the handoff worked (operational basics)
Hamas first handed hostages to the Red Cross inside Gaza. The Red Cross then transferred them to Israeli custody via agreed pickup points. The IDF flew many released hostages to Israeli hospitals and bases for triage and family reunions. Humanitarian agencies coordinated medical and family-support steps.
9) Why some reporting shows different numbers (transparency note)
Different outlets report slightly different prisoner-release totals (some say ~1,700; others note nearly 2,000) because the deal covers several phases, categories (life-sentence prisoners vs. administrative detainees) and transfers across days. Use official Israeli government releases and ICRC updates for the most precise running counts.
10) Immediate political effects — Knesset, public reaction, and protests
President Trump’s arrival and speech to the Knesset were highly symbolic and polarising — he received standing ovations but protests also broke out inside the parliament. Public scenes ranged from euphoric celebrations in Hostages Square to sober reminders from families mourning those still declared dead and those whose remains have yet to be returned.
11) Humanitarian consequences and Gaza’s situation
The ceasefire includes humanitarian arrangements to scale up aid to Gaza, especially food and medical deliveries, during the pause. International agencies stressed the urgency of restoring sufficient aid and infrastructure after two years of intense warfare that devastated Gaza’s hospitals, water systems and housing stock.
12) How to follow this responsibly — verified sources & practical tips
- For live updates follow wire services and international outlets: Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, BBC, The Guardian, Times of Israel. They quickly update named releases and official figures.
- For operational details and lists of names look to official Israeli government statements, the ICRC (Red Cross) and hospital bulletins.
- Avoid sharing unverified casualty or hostage lists on social media — families and authorities must confirm identities. Wait for official confirmations.
- If you want to donate or help, give via established humanitarian organizations (ICRC, UN OCHA, major international NGOs) rather than ad-hoc fundraisers.
Context & background (short timeline bullets)
• Oct 7, 2023: Hamas-led attacks into southern Israel resulted in mass casualties and the abduction of roughly 250 people. The crisis triggered a major Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
• Nov 2023 & Jan 2025: Earlier prisoner exchanges freed some hostages in phased deals.
• Oct 13, 2025 (today): The final 20 living hostages were released as part of a broader ceasefire/prisoner-transfer package mediated with U.S. and regional involvement.
On specific names you asked about (quick checks)
• Evyatar David: Confirmed released and taken to hospital after release; widely covered by Israeli outlets.
• Gali and Ziv Berman: Twin siblings who were abducted in Oct 2023 — reported among those freed in the current phase.
• Omri Miran, Alon Ohel and others: Named in Reuters/ToI roundups of those released in initial flights.
Media streams & where people watched this live
Major broadcasters carried live feeds and coverage: CNN, Fox, Al Jazeera, i24news, BBC, AP live blogs and network reports. For verified video of arrivals and official statements, rely on national broadcasters and wire-video agencies rather than social clips.
What about “how many hostages has Hamas killed?” and casualty numbers
Different authorities report different casualty figures. Israeli sources and international monitors have documented dozens of hostages killed either during the initial attacks or while in captivity; the broader war’s human toll is large and contested between sources. For legal and forensic facts, rely on official Israeli statements and forensic reports as they are released.
What to expect next (possible scenarios)
• Humanitarian window: Aid deliveries and reconstruction talks for Gaza could expand if the pause holds.
• Diplomatic follow-up: Summit-level talks (Egypt/Cairo summit attended by world leaders) will seek durable arrangements on security, disarmament and prisoner returns.
• Political fallout: Israeli domestic politics and the Knesset may see heated debate about terms, prisoner releases and how to secure the remaining deceased hostages’ remains.
Responsible reporting note (why this matters)
This is a deeply emotional, legally and politically charged event. TrenBuzz focuses on sourced facts, avoids speculation about motives or unconfirmed identities, and urges readers and publishers to respect families’ privacy and rely on official confirmations.
Sources — verified links
(Primary reporting and live updates used for this article. All were live on Oct 13, 2025.)
- Reuters — “Hamas publishes names of 20 Israeli hostages to be released.” (Reuters)
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-publishes-names-20-israeli-hostages-be-released-2025-10-13/ - Associated Press — “Living Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are freed …” (AP live update). (AP News)
https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-10-13-2025-9e4921406e846189c90144609c1a9530 - The Guardian — live reporting and profile of the final 20 hostages. (The Guardian)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/13/israeli-hostage-release-hamas-gaza-last-living - Al Jazeera — “Hamas and Israel exchange captives, detainees before Gaza summit.” (Al Jazeera)
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/13/hamas-and-israel-exchange-captives-detainees-before-gaza-summit - Times of Israel — photo essays and live coverage of Hostages Square celebrations and lists of released hostages. (The Times of Israel)
https://www.timesofisrael.com/all-20-remaining-living-hostages-return-to-israel-after-over-2-years-in-hamas-captivity/ - The Jerusalem Post — profiles and arrivals coverage for named released hostages (e.g., Evyatar David). (Jerusalem Post)
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870366 - BBC / CBS / ABC live update pages — coverage of Trump’s visit to Israel, Knesset speech and related events. (CBS News)
Disclaimer
This article compiles verified reporting, official statements and humanitarian updates current as of the timestamp above. It is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for primary official communications. Because this is an active diplomatic and humanitarian process, details (numbers, names, and implementation steps) may change; always consult the wire services and official agencies for the latest confirmed information.