Hamas frees hostages below Trump-brokered ceasefire

Metro Loud
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Israeli navy helicopters wait in preparation to take hostages launched by Hamas in Gaza to hospitals in Israel after they arrive within the southern Reim military base on October 13, 2025.

Maya Levin | Afp | Getty Photos

BAGHDAD — Palestinian militant group Hamas launched the primary seven surviving Israeli hostages on Monday, marking the primary stage of a ceasefire deal brokered with the assistance of U.S. President Donald Trump.

In accordance with a assertion from the Israel Protection Forces, the hostages have been handed over to the Worldwide Committee of the Purple Cross in Gaza.

One other switch involving 13 surviving hostages and 28 further captives — together with 26 confirmed useless and two whose standing stays unsure — is anticipated to observe.

As a part of the settlement, Israel was additionally scheduled to free practically 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners in a while Monday.

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, in an interview with CNBC, mentioned Trump is “critical about reaching peace” forward of a high-stakes summit in Egypt aimed toward ending the two-year conflict in Gaza.

Egypt is about to host greater than 20 world leaders, together with Trump, within the Purple Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday for talks anticipated to concentrate on securing a long-lasting peace and rebuilding the devastated enclave.

Al-Sudani known as the U.S. initiative “vital” and expressed hope the truce can be “sustainable and the start of a radical resolution to this drawback.”

“The Palestinian situation is the basis of the issue within the Center East,” he informed CNBC’s Dan Murphy. “It’s time to discover options by way of dialogue and respect for worldwide establishments and agreements.”

The feedback come after a two-year battle sparked by Hamas’ assault on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed some 1,200 individuals, whereas lots of have been taken hostage. Israel’s response left greater than 67,000 Palestinians useless, together with hundreds of civilians, based on Gaza’s Well being Ministry.

Al-Sudani mentioned Iraq helps “each peaceable resolution that results in an finish to this conflict,” warning that civilians in Gaza face not solely bombardment but additionally “starvation, thirst, and the shortage of probably the most primary requirements of life.”

“Iraq is a rustic that has suffered probably the most from wars,” he added. “We’re delicate to all these issues that hurt the humanitarian neighborhood.”

Members of Hamas navy wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, stand guard subsequent to automobiles carrying launched Israeli hostages on a essential highway in Deir al-Balah within the central Gaza strip on Oct. 13, 2025.

Bashar Taleb | Afp | Getty Photos

Postwar plans

When requested about studies that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would assist coordinate Gaza’s postwar transition, Al-Sudani described Blair as “an awesome buddy of the Iraqis” and welcomed his involvement.

“In accordance with the plan, there was a necessity for a global administration or particular person to help … in managing this transitional course of,” he mentioned, citing the pressing want to revive providers and ship support.

On whether or not Iraq would possibly normalize ties with Israel, Al-Sudani mentioned Baghdad’s stance is outlined by regulation and “a principled place.”

“Our authorities belongs to a parliamentary system and is sure by the legal guidelines enacted by Parliament,” he mentioned.

Israel, he added, “has sadly dedicated many crimes in opposition to the Palestinian individuals over many years. The Palestinians as we speak deserve a greater actuality and a greater future.”

A girl holds up a US flag above a poster bearing a portrait of the president of america Donald Trump at Hostage Sq. in Tel Aviv early on October 13, 2025.

Ahmad Gharabli | Afp | Getty Photos

Regional flashpoints

Turning to broader regional tensions, Al-Sudani cautioned that peace efforts can’t be restricted to Gaza.

“Syria definitely represents a nationwide safety situation for Iraq, and it additionally impacts the nationwide safety of all nations within the area,” he mentioned.

He described Israeli incursions into Syrian territory as “incorrect and unacceptable,” saying they violate worldwide regulation and “entrench instability in a rustic that everybody is eager to see recuperate.”

The prime minister added that remnants of the Islamic State group proceed to function in Syria, having seized weapons from the previous Syrian military.

“They characterize an actual menace to all nations within the area,” he mentioned.

“Any weakening of the administration in Damascus will allow extremists to grab management and threaten the safety and stability of this delicate area.”

Palestinian youths watch as a bus bearing the logo of the Worldwide Purple Cross strikes in direction of the jap Gaza Strip from Khan Yunis within the south of the besieged territory on Oct. 13, 2025, forward of the discharge of Israeli hostages held by Hamas because the October 7 assaults two years in the past.

Omar Al-qattaa | Afp | Getty Photos

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