EditIsraeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners freed as Trump pushes for lasting peace
The U.S. president alluded to broader regional transformations, suggesting the beginning of a "golden age" of prosperity and cooperation
In a momentous development marking the potential end of two years of war in Gaza, all remaining living Israeli hostages held by Hamas were released today (13 October) as part of a comprehensive prisoner swap. This exchange, brokered under U.S. mediation, also saw the freeing of thousands of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody, setting the stage for broader peace efforts. The events unfolded amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to Israel, where he addressed the Knesset, and ahead of the eagerly anticipated Sharm-el-Sheikh summit later today.
The hostage release process began early Monday morning, with the last 20 surviving Israeli captives transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being returned to Israel. These individuals had been held since the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas, which ignited the prolonged war. Israeli authorities confirmed that all living hostages – totalling around 20 in this final group – were now free, though the bodies of those killed in captivity remain a point of contention. Families of the released, such as the Berman family, expressed profound relief, stating, “We are breathing fresh air again.” Video footage captured emotional reunions at border crossings, with hostages crossing into Israel under heavy security.
On the Palestinian side, the swap involved the release of 1,968 prisoners, a significant concession from Israel. The first bus carrying some of these individuals arrived in Gaza, where they were greeted by crowds amid celebrations. Others were welcomed in Ramallah in the West Bank, symbolizing a moment of unity for Palestinians. However, not all releases were without controversy: at least 154 of the freed Palestinians were forced into exile by Israeli authorities, a condition described as “inhumane” by human rights advocates.
The prisoner exchange, described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as coming at a “high price,” underscores the human cost of the conflict. Over the past two years, the war has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and devastated Gaza’s infrastructure. Today’s releases represent a critical step in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which aims to halt hostilities and pave the way for reconstruction and diplomatic normalization. Hamas officials hailed the deal as a victory, while Israeli leaders emphasized it as a necessary compromise for security.
Coinciding with these releases was President Trump’s arrival in Israel, a visit laden with symbolism and diplomatic weight. Trump landed at Ben Gurion International Airport, where he was warmly greeted by Netanyahu, the two leaders sharing an embrace that highlighted their longstanding alliance. From there, Trump proceeded to the Knesset in Jerusalem for a historic address to Israeli lawmakers. Upon entering the chamber, he received a resounding standing ovation, a testament to his role in facilitating the ceasefire.
In his speech, Trump heralded the “dawn of a new Middle East,” proclaiming it a “very exciting time for Israel and the Middle East.” He praised the hostage releases as a triumph of American diplomacy and vowed continued U.S. support for Israel’s security. Trump also alluded to broader regional transformations, suggesting the ceasefire could lead to a “golden age” of prosperity and cooperation. Netanyahu, speaking alongside Trump, thanked the president profusely and reaffirmed his commitment to the peace process, stating, “I am committed to this peace.” The Knesset speaker added to the accolades by announcing plans to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his instrumental efforts in brokering the deal.
The address was not without tension; it was briefly interrupted by Arab Israeli legislators protesting aspects of the agreement, though the session quickly resumed. Live coverage from the Knesset captured the atmosphere, with images showing a packed room of dignitaries, lawmakers, and international observers. Trump’s remarks lasted approximately 28 minutes, blending optimism with calls for vigilance against future threats. Analysts view the speech as a capstone to Trump’s Middle East policy, building on his previous Abraham Accords and now this ceasefire.
During his speech, Trump urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday to pardon Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption.
“Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don’t you give him a pardon? Cigars and some champagne — who the hell cares?” referring to the fraud, bribery and breach of trust charges, which Netanyahu denies.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in three cases, one of which includes receiving almost 700,000 shekels ($210,000) in gifts from businessmen, including champagne and cigars.
Israel’s President holds a largely ceremonial role but he does have authority to pardon convicted criminal if there are unusual circumstances presented.
Following the Knesset address, attention shifts to the Sharm-el-Sheikh summit in Egypt, dubbed the “Summit for Peace,” which convenes later today. Co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the gathering will bring together more than 20 world leaders to solidify the Gaza ceasefire and outline next steps for regional stability. The agenda focuses on endorsing the ceasefire deal, discussing Gaza’s reconstruction, humanitarian aid distribution, and potential normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states. Key topics include security arrangements, economic incentives for Palestinians, and measures to prevent future escalations.
Notable attendees include British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside representatives from the European Union, United Nations, and several Arab nations. Netanyahu has confirmed he will not attend, citing domestic priorities, though Israel will be represented by senior officials. Expectations are high for concrete outcomes, such as a timeline for troop withdrawals and international funding pledges for Gaza’s rebuilding.
With Reuters, edited by g.g.
Caption: Israelis celebrate the release of hostages held by Hamas as they watch from a screen at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, 13 October 2025. As part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, some 20 Israeli captives and around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are scheduled to be released on 13 October. EPA/ABIR SULTAN
Updated: October 13, 2025 - 15:52
