Historic Moment: Hamas Hands Over All 20 Surviving Hostages to Israel as President Trump Declares “A Great Day for Peace

Jerusalem / Cairo / Dubai | October 13, 2025 : In a landmark development that could mark the end of two years of devastating conflict in Gaza, Hamas has officially handed over all 20 surviving hostages to Israel, completing the long-awaited exchange deal mediated by the United States.

The Israeli military confirmed that it received the remaining 13 hostages on Monday evening, after an earlier group of seven were transferred earlier in the day.

The announcement sparked an emotional outpouring at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where thousands of Israelis had gathered — cheering, crying, and embracing as the names of the freed hostages were read aloud.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who played a key role in brokering the truce, hailed the release as “a great day for peace, a great day for the people of Israel, and a great day for humanity.”

Israeli officials called it a “turning point” in the path to stability, while Egyptian and Qatari mediators praised the diplomatic coordination that made the exchange possible.

The ceasefire deal, which includes humanitarian corridors and gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza, has been welcomed internationally — signaling cautious optimism for a long-term peace framework.

(Reuters)