Hamas Frees All Remaining Living Hostages, Initiates Return of Bodies

Israel and Hamas announced on 13 October 2025 that all 20 remaining living hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 incursion have been released. In the same agreement, Hamas agreed to transfer the remains of 28 deceased hostages to Israeli authorities. The exchange forms part of a wider ceasefire and prisoner-swap agreement mediated by external actors.

The handover of released hostages was coordinated via the International Committee of the Red Cross. Israeli authorities have already begun the process of forensic identification and repatriation. Israeli officials say the release marks the completion of the first phase of a multi-point peace plan.

In return, Israel will free over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners — including some serving life sentences — as stipulated under the deal. Around 250 of them are convicted of security offences, raising intense political pressure and disputes within Israel. According to public statements, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government backs the agreement as a major diplomatic breakthrough. U.S. President Donald Trump, present in Israel during the exchange, addressed the Knesset and proclaimed the moment “a new epoch of hope.” :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Despite the optimism, major complications remain. Hamas has so far returned only four coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages, though the agreement called for the return of all 28 bodies. Israeli officials warn that many of the bodies may be difficult or even impossible to retrieve due to widespread destruction and the chaos in Gaza. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) cautioned that locating and evacuating buried bodies within collapsed structures may take prolonged, painstaking operations. The ICRC described the recovery process as a “massive challenge.” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The emotional return of the living hostages has sparked scenes of jubilation in Israel. Tens of thousands gathered at Tel Aviv’s “Hostages’ Square” to follow live announcements and celebrate as loved ones were reunited. Families, many of whom had endured years of agony and uncertainty, described the moment as bittersweet — a victory tinged by loss. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Regional and international leaders welcomed the development as a potential turning point. Egypt and Qatar, key intermediaries in past ceasefire attempts, signalled readiness to convene a broader peace summit. President Trump’s 20-point framework for Gaza’s postwar transition is now under intense scrutiny, especially on the question of whether Hamas will disarm or relinquish its military infrastructure. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Analysts warn the deal is fragile. Critics in Israel’s security establishment argue that releasing high-security prisoners could endanger national safety. In Gaza, reconstruction, governance, and humanitarian access remain unresolved, and further fighting could erupt if either side perceives the deal as broken.

Looking ahead, Israeli authorities plan to press for full accounting of all bodies still held in Gaza, while the international community may be pushed to deploy oversight or peacekeeping mechanisms to monitor compliance. The success of the agreement will depend largely on the trust and verification mechanisms that follow this dramatic opening step.