Hamas Frees 7 Israeli Hostages to Red Cross as Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect
Gaza | October 13, 2025 | Deccan Live News Desk
In a major development toward ending the two-year-long war, the Palestinian resistance group Hamas has handed over seven Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as part of the first phase of a new ceasefire agreement.
According to a report by Arab Media, the deal also includes Israel’s commitment to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from its jails. The agreement is being seen as a significant step toward ending the prolonged conflict and laying the groundwork for a long-term peace process.
Israel names 7 released captives
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has named the seven captives released so far:
- Eitan Abraham Mor, 25
- Gali Berman, 28
- Ziv Berman, 28
- Omri Miran, 48
- Alon Ohel, 24
- Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24
- Matan Angrest, 22
Witnesses reported that masked Hamas members were present at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, where the handover took place in the presence of Red Cross officials.
Meanwhile, in Israel, hundreds of people gathered outside the Re’im military camp and at “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and holding pictures of the freed hostages.
The war, which has dragged on for two years, has drawn in several regional powers including Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon, reshaping the political landscape of the Middle East.
In a related development, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking before his departure to Israel, declared that “the war is over”, expressing hope that stability would soon return to the region. Trump is scheduled to address the Israeli Parliament today, where a special ceremony has been organized in his honor.
