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.

Source: BBC Live Update –Handover of Israeli hostages begins in Gaza

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In a troubling escalation, a missile launched from Yemen struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday, briefly shutting down operations and raising alarms over the country’s air defense vulnerabilities.

The missile, reportedly fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, managed to bypass multiple interception attempts by Israel’s advanced defense systems. This marked the first time the group has successfully targeted Israel’s main international airport — a high-profile and heavily protected location.

For about 30 minutes Sunday morning, flights in and out of Ben Gurion Airport were suspended after the missile landed nearby. Trains were also halted, and police urged the public to avoid the area. Debris from the impact littered the roads leading to the terminal, and videos circulating on social media showed plumes of black smoke rising near the airport.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that several interception attempts were made using the Arrow missile defense system, and that the incident is under review. A U.S.-deployed THAAD anti-missile system is also stationed in Israel, but neither system prevented the missile’s impact.

The Houthi rebels quickly claimed responsibility, stating the attack was in response to what they called Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza. Spokesperson Yahya Saree said the missile used was a hypersonic ballistic missile, capable of traveling at speeds up to Mach 16 and equipped with stealth features.

“The American and Israeli defense systems failed to intercept the missile aimed at Ben Gurion Airport,” Saree said.

This incident comes amid ongoing Houthi attacks against Israel, with the group claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians. Sunday’s strike marks the third consecutive day of missile launches from Yemen toward Israeli territory.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz promised a fierce retaliation, stating, “We will attack whoever attacks us sevenfold.” The country’s security cabinet convened later in the day to assess the situation.

Military analyst Amir Bar Shalom called the missile strike both accurate and deeply concerning. “If you’re launching from 2,000 kilometers and hitting near the airport — that’s impressive accuracy,” he told CNN. “We have to take this threat seriously.”

Bar Shalom noted that Israel’s military would investigate why the interception failed, considering variables such as radar detection, response timing, and missile trajectory.

Following the strike, several major European airlines suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. Flights are expected to resume after May 6.

Meanwhile, Hamas praised the attack, referring to Yemen as “the twin of Palestine,” lauding its resilience and defiance of foreign aggression.

This isn’t the first time a Houthi missile has evaded Israel’s defenses. In December 2023, a similar failed interception led to a strike in Tel Aviv that injured over a dozen people. The Houthis claimed they had used another hypersonic missile, “Palestine 2,” targeting a military facility. In July, the group claimed responsibility for a deadly drone attack on the city — the first of its kind.

Israel has responded to Houthi threats by launching strikes on key facilities in Yemen, including ports and power stations. However, the broader U.S. military campaign — which includes airstrikes, B-2 stealth bombers, and hundreds of millions of dollars in munitions — has so far failed to stop the flow of missile attacks from Yemen.

According to estimates, the U.S. effort to counter Houthi missile launches has already cost nearly $1 billion within just three weeks earlier this year. Despite the scale and intensity of the campaign, the group continues to pose a serious threat to Israeli and regional security.

Source: CNN – Israel fails to intercept Houthi missile targeting its main airport, showing the limits of US efforts to weaken the group

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A series of explosions rocked central Israel on Thursday, targeting three parked buses in what authorities believe may have been a militant attack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the blasts.

The explosions occurred on a tense day, as Israel was already in mourning after Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages from Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal. The bombings, reminiscent of attacks during the Palestinian uprising of the early 2000s, were a rare occurrence in recent years.

Explosives Found on Multiple Buses

Police spokesman Asi Aharoni confirmed that explosives were discovered on two additional buses, though they did not detonate. The five bombs found across the buses were identical and equipped with timers, prompting Israeli bomb squads to work on safely defusing the unexploded devices. Investigators in protective coveralls carefully examined the burnt-out remains of the buses, which had been parked in a parking lot in Bat Yam, a city located just outside Tel Aviv.

Miraculous Escape from Injury

The mayor of Bat Yam, Tzvika Brot, expressed relief, calling it a “miracle” that no one was harmed, as the buses had been parked after completing their routes. Ofir Karni, the head of the bus company, confirmed that all drivers had been ordered to stop and conduct thorough inspections before resuming operations.

Investigation Underway

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that he was receiving regular updates from his military secretary. The Shin Bet internal security agency has taken over the investigation. Police spokesman Haim Sargrof noted that investigators are working to determine whether a single individual placed explosives on multiple buses or if there were multiple suspects involved. The explosives used in Thursday’s attacks were reportedly similar to those found in the West Bank, though specific details were not disclosed.

The West Bank Context

Since Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel’s military has been carrying out frequent raids targeting Palestinian militants in the West Bank. In response, Israel has severely restricted Palestinian access to Israel from the occupied territory.

A group claiming to be a branch of Hamas’ Qassam Brigades from Tulkarem in the northern West Bank posted a message on the Telegram app, vowing revenge for “martyrs” as long as “the occupation is on our lands.” While the group did not directly claim responsibility for the bus explosions, the statement pointed to rising tensions in the region.

Security Measures and Ongoing Operations

The Israeli military, continuing its security operations in the West Bank, imposed additional movement restrictions and sealed off certain areas as part of its crackdown on suspected militants.

Despite the explosions, Bat Yam’s mayor urged residents to maintain their daily routines but remain vigilant. Schools will remain open on Friday, and public transport services will continue as usual.

The investigation into the attack continues, with authorities working to uncover the full scope and motive behind this troubling incident.

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A missile launched from Yemen struck Tel Aviv overnight Saturday, marking a rare breach of Israel’s robust air defense system. Israeli authorities confirmed the projectile hit the southern Jaffa district after interception attempts failed, triggering alarms and causing minor injuries to over a dozen people. No fatalities were reported.

Details of the Attack

The Israeli military revealed that the missile was launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces, who claimed responsibility for the strike. The Houthis announced they had fired a hypersonic ballistic missile, named “Palestine 2,” targeting an Israeli military site in Jaffa.

In their statement, the group asserted, “The missile struck its target accurately, and the defenses and interception systems failed to intercept it.”

Emergency responders treated 16 individuals for minor injuries caused by shattered glass from nearby buildings, while 14 others were injured while seeking shelter. Additionally, seven people were treated for panic attacks.

Eyewitness Accounts

Beth Shahai, a 69-year-old resident, described the terrifying moment: “The ballistic missile landed right behind our building. All the windows on the first and second floors shattered. It was very frightening.”

Rising Regional Tensions

The missile strike comes amid heightened tensions following Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, which began in October last year. The conflict has sparked attacks on Israel from multiple fronts, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, both of whom are aligned with Iran.

The Houthis have intensified their activity in the Red Sea, targeting vessels in what they call retaliation for the situation in Gaza. They have vowed to continue their strikes until a ceasefire is reached in the Palestinian enclave.

Conflict’s Broader Impact

Since the onset of the war:

• Israel has faced missile and rocket attacks from Hezbollah, the Houthis, and even directly from Iran.
• The ongoing bombardment and siege of Gaza by Israel have resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis.
• Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed approximately 4,000 people.

The Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah are part of an Iran-led alliance that has ramped up attacks on Israel and its allies in response to the conflict.

Recent Incidents

This latest attack follows a series of notable incidents:

• Thursday: Israel intercepted a missile from Yemen, with debris causing significant damage to a school near Tel Aviv.
• November: Shrapnel from an intercepted Hezbollah rocket damaged a building in the city.
• July: The Houthis claimed responsibility for a deadly drone strike in Tel Aviv—their first attack on the city.

Historical Context

The 14-month-long conflict was ignited by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, during which militants killed over 1,000 people and took hundreds hostage. This attack triggered a cascade of violence, escalating tensions across the region and drawing in multiple actors aligned against Israel.

Global Implications

As the conflict deepens, regional and international observers remain concerned about its broader implications for stability in the Middle East and global security, especially given the Houthis’ threat to vital maritime routes like the Red Sea.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, embroiled in a long-running corruption trial, testified for the first time on Tuesday, claiming he was being targeted for his hawkish policies on national security. This historic testimony marks the first time a sitting Israeli leader has taken the stand in a criminal case.

Balancing War and Legal Battles

At 75, Netanyahu is navigating an unprecedented dual challenge: leading Israel during its war in Gaza while defending himself against allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Judges recently mandated that Netanyahu testify three times a week, requiring him to juggle his responsibilities between the courtroom and Israel’s Defense Ministry.

“I’ve waited eight years for this moment to tell the truth,” Netanyahu told the court. “But I am also leading the country through a seven-front war. I believe both can be managed simultaneously.”

Netanyahu criticized Israeli media, accusing them of bias and claiming they targeted him for opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state. “Had I embraced a two-state solution, I would have been praised,” he argued.

Allegations and Defense

Prosecutors allege that Netanyahu granted regulatory favors worth 1.8 billion shekels ($500 million) to Bezeq Telecom in exchange for favorable media coverage. He is also accused of negotiating with the owner of Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper for positive press in return for legislation curbing a rival publication’s growth. Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains his innocence.

Standing in the witness box, he portrayed himself as a steadfast defender of Israel’s security, resisting international and domestic pressures. “This isn’t about justice; it’s a political witch hunt,” his lawyer, Amit Hadad, argued, asserting that investigators were pursuing Netanyahu rather than investigating crimes.

A Trial Amid National Unrest
The trial convened in an underground courtroom in Tel Aviv for undisclosed security reasons. Outside, protesters gathered, divided between Netanyahu’s supporters and those demanding he prioritize negotiating the release of over 100 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s legal troubles had taken a backseat in public discourse after the shock Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which unified Israelis in mourning. However, as the war continues and political divisions resurface, Netanyahu’s trial has reignited controversy.

Polarized Politics and Judicial Battles

Before the war, Netanyahu’s legal battles had deeply divided Israel, contributing to five rounds of elections and sparking efforts by his government to limit the judiciary’s powers. These moves polarized the nation further.

Recent weeks have seen clashes between Netanyahu’s cabinet members and the judiciary, highlighting growing tensions within his government. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former defense chief Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas leader for alleged war crimes in Gaza, compounding his legal challenges.

A Leader Under Fire

Netanyahu remains defiant, vowing to clear his name while steering Israel through one of its most challenging periods. As he faces accusations in court, the broader implications of his leadership and legal woes continue to ripple through Israeli society, testing its political and judicial systems.

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