Hamas has handed over the last 20 surviving Israeli hostages held in Gaza, marking what U.S. President Donald Trump described as “the historic dawn of a new Middle East.” The handover took place as part of a ceasefire agreement that also saw the release of over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
The hostages, all men aged between 20 and 48, had been held captive in Gaza’s tunnels for more than two years following their abduction during the October 2023 terror attacks. Some were taken from their homes, while others were seized at the Nova music festival.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Hamas initially handed over seven hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross before releasing the remaining 13. The freed hostages were then airlifted to a special medical facility, described as a “homecoming hospital,” where they will recover in private.
The exchange has been met with an emotional response across Israel, where tens of thousands of citizens gathered at public screenings to witness the hostages’ return. Families and friends erupted in cheers as local television channels confirmed the Red Cross had taken custody of the captives.
In addition to the surviving hostages, Hamas also released the remains of two deceased captives, with the IDF confirming that two more coffins will follow in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire deal. Israel had earlier said that 20 of the 251 people abducted in 2023 were believed to still be alive, alongside the remains of 28 confirmed dead.
Previous short-term agreements between Israel and Hamas had resulted in smaller hostage releases, but this marks the final stage of the exchange under the first phase of President Trump’s ceasefire framework. Under the deal, Hamas was given 72 hours to release all hostages—both living and deceased.
The ceasefire began on Friday, allowing tens of thousands of Palestinians to return on foot to northern Gaza after months of displacement. Many were seen walking through devastated neighbourhoods as drone footage revealed the extensive destruction from nearly two years of Israeli bombardments.
Entire districts have been flattened, and widespread damage to infrastructure has left much of Gaza in ruins. Humanitarian organizations continue to warn of dire conditions for civilians who remain in the territory.
President Trump praised the release as a breakthrough moment in his Middle East peace efforts, calling it “a step towards lasting stability and reconciliation.” Israeli and Palestinian officials have not yet commented on the next phase of the ceasefire process.
The IDF said it will continue to oversee the exchange process in coordination with the Red Cross to ensure full compliance with the agreement’s remaining terms.
