**Release of Israeli Hostages from Gaza Begins**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 13, 2025, 11:11 AM*
The Red Cross has announced that the release of living Israeli hostages from Gaza has officially begun. A total of twenty surviving hostages are expected to be freed as part of this initial phase.
In a significant development tied to the US-brokered cease-fire agreement, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israel will also be released. This marks a critical step toward de-escalating tensions in the region.
Thousands gathered at Hostages Square to celebrate the news, cheering as word spread that the handover process to the Red Cross had started shortly after 8:00 AM local time.
—
### Conflict Milestone
The ongoing conflict has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, underscoring the urgency for peace and reconciliation.
Vehicles marked with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) logo, expected to transport the released Palestinian prisoners and detainees, were seen moving through Gaza’s Khan Younis area, according to Reuters footage.
Meanwhile, Israel’s national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), has prepared its emergency teams to assist in the safe return of the Israeli hostages. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched Operation “Returning Home” to facilitate this release effort.
—
### Ceasefire Terms and Hostage Release Update
So far, seven hostages have been released by Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross.
The names of the 20 hostages slated for release include:
– Bar Abraham Kupershtein
– Evyatar David
– Yosef-Chaim Ohana
– Segev Kalfon
– Avinatan Or
– Elkana Bohbot
– Maxim Herkin
– Nimrod Cohen
– Matan Angrest
– Matan Zangauker
– Eitan Horn
– Eitan Abraham Mor
– Gali Berman
– Ziv Berman
– Omri Miran
– Alon Ohel
– Guy Gilboa-Dalal
– Rom Braslavski
– Ariel Cunio
– David Cunio
—
### International Diplomatic Efforts
As the exchange unfolds, US President Donald Trump is en route to Israel. He is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and address the Knesset (parliament). Trump will also meet with families of the hostages to offer support and solidarity.
Following his visit to Israel, President Trump will travel to Egypt to attend a summit on Gaza’s future, joined by leaders from over 20 countries, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and the United Kingdom’s Keir Starmer.
—
Stay tuned for more updates as this historic release continues to develop.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/release-of-israeli-hostages-from-gaza-begins/story