Hamas releases all 20 living Israeli hostages

The Israeli military has confirmed that Hamas has released all 20 living hostages in its custody, marking the first phase of a ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived in Tel Aviv shortly after the first group’s release.

In a statement posted on social media, the Israel Defence Forces, IDF, said: “According to information provided by the Red Cross, 13 hostages have been transferred into their custody and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza.”

The release of the 13 hostages follows the earlier handover of seven captives, who have already crossed back into Israel under IDF escort. The first group was taken to an initial reception centre in southern Israel, where they began the process of reuniting with their families.

While the medical condition of the released individuals remains undisclosed, the IDF noted that each of them would undergo comprehensive health evaluations before returning home.

Israeli authorities identified the first seven freed hostages as Alon Ohel, Matan Angrest, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Guy Gilboa Dalal, Eitan Mor, and Omri Miran, though no additional details were provided about their wellbeing.

The government also released official photographs showing the emotional reunions between the freed captives and their relatives.

In a related statement, the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, confirmed its role in facilitating the multi-stage exchange process, acting as a neutral intermediary to transfer both hostages and detainees under the terms of the ceasefire.

According to the ICRC, its teams are responsible for receiving the hostages from Hamas, delivering them to Israeli officials, and separately coordinating the release of Palestinian detainees held in Israel to Gaza and the West Bank.