In a significant milestone, Hamas begins releasing last Israeli hostages : NPR

TEL AVIV — Hamas on Monday started releasing the ultimate Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza, a significant milestone within the efforts to finish the devastating two years of struggle within the Palestinian territory.

Hamas initially handed over seven of the 20 dwelling hostages to the Worldwide Committee of the Pink Cross, which in flip introduced them to the Israeli navy, based on a press release by the navy. The remaining 13 hostages have been anticipated to be launched shortly.

The navy is flying the hostages by helicopter from southern Israel to hospitals within the Tel Aviv space. All of the hostages are males, principally of their 20s and 30s.

Israeli tv confirmed Einav Zangauker chatting with her son, Matan Zangauker, 25, in a video name shortly after his launch. “There is not any struggle, it is over. You’re coming dwelling,” she instructed him.

The hostage handover ignited celebrations all through Israel. Tens of 1000’s gathered in Hostages Sq., the plaza in Tel Aviv that has been the location of vigils all through the struggle. The group roared in jubilation and waved blue-and-white Israeli flags.

Hamas can be required at hand over 28 our bodies of lifeless hostages, although the Palestinian group says it has not been capable of find all of them. In flip, Israel is making ready at hand over almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees as it’s required to do underneath the truce introduced final week. These exchanges are anticipated to start later Monday.

The fast-moving developments got here as President Trump landed in Israel. The president pressed arduous for the ceasefire deal and is extensively credited for getting it to the end line. Trump is scheduled to satisfy briefly with members of the family of the hostages after which tackle Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem.

Shortly afterward, Trump is ready to fly to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the place the truce was negotiated final week, to participate in a proper signing ceremony.

Earlier and whereas touring to Israel on Air Drive One, Trump portrayed the developments as a win for nations throughout the area. “Everyone is comfortable whether or not it is Jewish or Muslim or the Arab nations. Each nation is dancing within the streets,” he mentioned.

On one other entrance, elevated help is starting to move into Gaza, the place necessities have been in critically quick provide all through the struggle. A whole lot of vehicles with help entered southern Gaza from Egypt on Sunday. The territory is in pressing want of meals, water, medication, gas and tents.

U.S. President Donald Trump is welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and officers at Ben Gurion Worldwide Airport on Oct. 13, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Photos

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Take a look at for the ceasefire

The trade of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners is the primary main check of the ceasefire and was a number one demand by each the Israelis and Palestinians.

If each side full the complete trade as deliberate, it can assist enhance the ambiance for the numerous robust challenges forward.

Nevertheless, many obstacles stay. Israeli troops nonetheless maintain roughly half of Gaza and there is not any timetable for his or her full withdrawal.

The ceasefire additionally requires Hamas to surrender its weapons and play no function sooner or later governance of Gaza. Hamas has not publicly agreed to this, and Hamas civilian police have already re-emerged on the streets of the territory. There may be at the moment no different Palestinian group in Gaza that’s able to ruling the territory.

The ceasefire requires a bunch of Palestinian technocrats to run Gaza on an interim foundation, however they haven’t been named and it isn’t clear what sort of authority they might have, if any.