Handover of Israeli Hostages Marks Key Step in Ceasefire Implementation

Published: October 13, 2025, 21:45 EDT

The long-awaited transfer of Israeli hostages from Gaza has begun, marking a critical moment in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed that its teams had received the first group of hostages in Gaza before facilitating their transport to Israeli custody.

According to officials involved in the operation, the initial handover took place in northern Gaza, where the hostages were transferred to Red Cross vehicles for medical and security checks before being moved to Israeli-controlled areas.

Red Cross Confirms Hostage Transfer Operations Underway

The ICRC said its teams reached the first collection point in Gaza early Monday to oversee the safe transfer of hostages as part of the humanitarian arrangement.
“The ICRC will not release footage of the hostages or detainees out of respect for their dignity and safety,” the organization said in a statement.

Israeli media outlets, including Haaretz and Channel 12, reported that the first seven hostages were handed over to Red Cross officials. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed preparations were in place to receive the returnees at southern Israel’s Re’im military base, where they would undergo medical evaluation before reuniting with their families.

Families Await Reunions as First Names Confirmed

Among those confirmed for release is Guy Gilboa-Dalal, whose father told Haaretz that his son was now in Red Cross custody and would be handed to Israeli forces “within minutes.”

“This is a dream come true,” said Ilan Dalal. “We are euphoric, very excited, and dying to hug him.”

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, hundreds of relatives and supporters gathered to follow the developments in real time. Many carried Israeli and U.S. flags, while large digital screens broadcast live updates from Gaza. “Today all Israelis are together—it’s not about left or right,” said 17-year-old Yarden, who joined the early morning vigil.

Exchange Terms: 20 Hostages for Over 1,700 Palestinian Detainees

Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, 20 Israeli hostages believed to be alive are being freed in exchange for 1,718 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Gaza and the West Bank.

According to the Hamas-run Prisoners Media Office, the list of Palestinian detainees includes women, minors, and prisoners affiliated with Hamas who were not serving life sentences. Israeli media reported that several adjustments were made overnight to the final list, including replacing minors with adult detainees.

In return, the released hostages will undergo medical care and psychological assessment before being reunited with their families. Israeli emergency services, including Magen David Adom, said paramedics and trauma units were on standby across key military and hospital locations.

Emotional Scenes in Tel Aviv and Southern Israel

In Re’im base, relatives of hostages gathered from early morning, waiting anxiously for the first military convoys. “It’s very emotional and moving,” said Rotem Cooper, whose father was killed in captivity while his mother was freed weeks earlier.

Elsewhere in Tel Aviv, billboards displayed messages reading “Thank You President Trump” and “Peace Upon Israel.” Observers say the deal represents a diplomatic milestone, facilitated by Washington and regional partners including Egypt and Qatar.

Trump Hails ‘End of the War’ Ahead of Middle East Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump declared “the war is over” as he prepared to address Israel’s Knesset before heading to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where a peace summit will convene later this week.

At least 20 world leaders, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are expected to attend. Starmer’s office confirmed plans to announce a £20 million humanitarian aid package for Gaza during the summit.

The U.S. administration described the hostages’ release as a “humanitarian breakthrough” that underscores Washington’s renewed influence in brokering Middle East stability.

UN Confirms Surge in Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

The United Nations reported a “promised surge” of food and medical supplies reaching Gaza in the past 24 hours. Humanitarian convoys have distributed hundreds of thousands of hot meals and loaves of bread in coordination with local NGOs.

Despite the ceasefire, sporadic violence has been reported as Hamas police patrol areas of Gaza to contain unrest and clashes with armed groups. Israeli officials said an international task force will begin work to locate and identify the remains of deceased hostages not yet returned within the 72-hour deadline.

Reunion Kits Prepared for Released Hostages

A symbolic gesture from Israeli leaders will accompany the homecoming: each freed hostage will receive a personal kit that includes clothing, a mobile phone, a tablet, and a handwritten note from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu.

“On behalf of the entire people of Israel, welcome back,” the letter reads. “We have been waiting for you, we embrace you.”

The government said the note represents the country’s collective gratitude and resilience after nearly two years of captivity for many of those released.

Ongoing Verification and Security Coordination

The IDF said air force helicopters remain on standby to transport hostages requiring urgent care to hospitals across Israel. Officials emphasized that the timing and route of each transfer remain subject to change for security reasons.

While international monitors welcomed the exchange, analysts noted that sustainable peace will depend on continued diplomatic engagement beyond the immediate humanitarian relief.

“This moment brings immense relief, but the region still faces deep political challenges,” said Tamar Ben-Ami, a regional analyst at the Jerusalem Institute for Security Studies. “The success of this exchange will be measured not just by who comes home, but by whether it leads to lasting calm.”

This report includes verified information from Reuters, AP News, Haaretz, ICRC, United Nations, and official Israeli government statements as of October 13, 2025.