Seven Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas to the Red Cross as part of a ceasefire deal, with more expected and Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange. The operation unfolds under intense global scrutiny, aiming to pave the way for lasting peace, with US President Donald Trump involved in the peace plan.
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Thousands of Israelis poured into Hostage Square at dawn on Monday morning to watch the release of hostages, with crowds chanting “we are not leaving here until all the 48 return” as the scenes were broadcast live on a large screen. The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the biggest step yet toward ending two years of war, aims to pave the way for a lasting peace under a 20-point plan by US President Donald Trump. He will arrive in Israel later on Monday morning. RECOMMENDED ‘Our nightmare is coming to an end’: Trump flies to Israel to push through last critical hours of Gaza ceasefire Israel denies UK played ‘key role’ securing Gaza ceasefire The next 48 hours will prove critical – not just for Trump’s plan, but for lasting peace in Gaza Palestinians surround Gaza aid truck in desperate bid to gather supplies KEY POINTS Hamas releases seven hostages to Red Cross convoy Remaining hostages to be freed at 10am local time (8am BST) Hamas publishes names of 20 hostages set to be released today Israel says Palestinian prisoners and detainees to be released once hostages cross border Trump says he would like to go to Gaza as he leaves US for Middle East Pinned Alisha Rahaman Sarkar13 October 2025 05:37 Remaining hostages to be freed at 10am local time (8am BST) Seven hostages have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross and are now making their way to Israel. The remaining hostages are set to be released at 10am local time (8am BST), according to Israeli media. The second stage of the release will take place from southern Gaza, Al Jazeera reports. Alex Croft13 October 2025 06:44 Hamas affirms commitment to ceasefire schedule The armed wing of Hamas has just issued a statement declaring its commitment to upholding the timetables for the hostage releases. It said it declares its “commitment to the agreement reached and the timetables associated with it, as long as the [Israeli] occupation adheres to them”, according to a translation in Al Jazeera. “The agreement reached is the result of the steadfastness of our people and the resilience of its resistance fighters.” Alex Croft13 October 2025 06:38 More live pictures from Gaza and Israel Palestinian youths watch as a bus bearing the emblem of the International Red Cross moves towards the eastern Gaza Strip from Khan Yunis (AFP via Getty Images) Thousands are awaiting their release in Tel Aviv (AFP via Getty Images) Seven hostages are being released, while 13 are due to be released later (AFP via Getty Images) Israelis celebrate as the first hostages are handed over (AFP via Getty Images) Alex Croft13 October 2025 06:35 Thousands chant for 'everyone now' in Hostages Square Our chief international correspondent Bel Trew is at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where thousands of Israelis have gathered to await the release of 20 living hostages from Gaza. A series of chants is ringing through the crowd, she says, with live pictures of the square showing the nervous energy and overwhelming emotions of today. Chants in the square include “everyone now”, and “We are not leaving here until all the 48 return, we are determined and excited for everything that is happening”. Flags and posters dotted through the squares read:“Where are you? flags and posters, “hostages are on the way here”. The crowd is watching live pictures of the hostage release on a large screen in Tel Aviv. Alex Croft13 October 2025 06:25 Families of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees wait nervously during handover Relatives of Israeli hostage Eitan Horn await his release as part of a hostages-prisoners swap and a ceasefire deal in Gaza, in Rosh Haayin (REUTERS) Family and friends of Israeli hostage Bar Kuperstein react as they watch the live broadcast of hostages being released (AP) Family members wait near the Israeli military prison Ofer, on the day of the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees (REUTERS) Alex Croft13 October 2025 06:21 BREAKING: Hamas releases first seven hostages to Red Cross convoy Hamas has released seven hostages into the custody of the Red Cross on Monday, the first to be released as part of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. An official involved in the operation has confirmed to Reuters news agency that the hostages were transferred. There has been no immediate information on their condition. Hamas has said 20 living hostages will be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross. Tens of thousands of Israelis are watching the transfers at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv. Alex Croft13 October 2025 06:16 In pictures: Red Cross vehicles arrive for hostage release in Gaza A Red Cross vehicle moves along a road before the expected release of hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 (REUTERS) A Red Cross vehicle at an entrance to the Red Cross headquarters in Gaza City (REUTERS) Buses with the International Red Cross emblem on them move towards the eastern Gaza Strip (AFP via Getty Images) Alex Croft13 October 2025 06:15 Red Cross arrives at first hostage release location The Red Cross has arrived at the first hostage release location in Gaza, Israeli media has reported. The hostages will be transferred to the humanitarian group, which will then transfer them to the Israeli military. Reminder: Only six hostages are being released at 8am. The remaining 14 will be returned later today. People watch a large screen broadcasting a live feed of Gaza, as they wait for the start of the hostage release at Hostages Square (Getty Images) Alex Croft13 October 2025 06:10 Israel confirms Red Cross on its way to collect hostages in north Gaza The International Committee of the Red Cross is moving towards a site to collect several hostages held by Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said. The Israeli military said others would be released later. It comes as Hamas published a list of 20 living hostages it said would be released and of over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners it said Israel would release. Alisha Rahaman Sarkar13 October 2025 06:01 Newer 1 / 5 Older
