The conditions of the Israel–Hamas ceasefire, brokered with the involvement of US President Donald Trump , came into effect on Monday, triggering the first exchange of hostages and prisoners under the agreement. Hamas released seven hostages— the first to be freed since the truce. In the meantime, Israel prepared to release nearly two thousand Palestinian prisoners and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Trump arrived in Israel on the same day to meet families of hostages, discuss postwar reconstruction, and advance the implementation of the US-backed deal.
Hostage and prisoner exchange begins
In total, 20 living hostages were released on Monday, while Israel prepares to free more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The bodies of 28 dead hostages will also be returned under the deal, though the timing remains uncertain.
Also read: 'Bringing them home': How Israeli media paid tribute to Donald Trump; hails him for freeing Gaza hostages
Crowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square cheered as television networks confirmed that the first group had reached Red Cross custody. Across Gaza, buses lined up in Khan Younis in anticipation of prisoner releases, which include 250 people serving life sentences and 1,700 held without charge during the war.
Trump in Israel
Trump arrived in Israel on Monday, describing the ceasefire as a sign that “the war is over.” He is scheduled to meet families of hostages, address the Knesset, and travel to Egypt for a regional peace summit co-chaired with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas is also expected to attend, with discussions focused on postwar governance and Gaza’s reconstruction.
Also read: Gaza peace accord: Will Israel confer its highest civilian honor on Donald Trump? - Here's what we know
The US-backed plan envisions an international body overseeing Gaza, supported by Arab-led security forces and Palestinian technocrats. Israel insists Hamas must disarm, while Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal — leaving key questions about Gaza’s long-term future unresolved.
Two years of conflict
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel’s subsequent offensive has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with about half reportedly women and children. Nearly 90 per cent of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced, and the enclave has been left in ruins.
Aid expected to surge
Under the ceasefire, Israel has approved 190,000 metric tons of humanitarian aid for Gaza, with deliveries expected to rise to 600 trucks per day. “Much of Gaza is a wasteland,” said UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, adding that the UN plans to restore essential services and clear debris over the next two months.
Trump arrived in Israel on the same day to meet families of hostages, discuss postwar reconstruction, and advance the implementation of the US-backed deal.
🎥 WATCH: The moment the freed hostages crossed back into Israeli territory just minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/nyXnfnsOYi
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) October 13, 2025
Hostage and prisoner exchange begins
In total, 20 living hostages were released on Monday, while Israel prepares to free more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The bodies of 28 dead hostages will also be returned under the deal, though the timing remains uncertain.
Also read: 'Bringing them home': How Israeli media paid tribute to Donald Trump; hails him for freeing Gaza hostages
Crowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square cheered as television networks confirmed that the first group had reached Red Cross custody. Across Gaza, buses lined up in Khan Younis in anticipation of prisoner releases, which include 250 people serving life sentences and 1,700 held without charge during the war.
Hamas’s video call psychological tactic in an attempt to circumvent the ban on holding ceremonies. The goals are clear: An attempt to telegraph a semblance of humanity and compliance with the deal, and to the people of Gaza, that Hamas is still in power and isn’t going anywhere. https://t.co/nWSPC0OTNu
— Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) October 13, 2025
Trump in Israel
Trump arrived in Israel on Monday, describing the ceasefire as a sign that “the war is over.” He is scheduled to meet families of hostages, address the Knesset, and travel to Egypt for a regional peace summit co-chaired with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas is also expected to attend, with discussions focused on postwar governance and Gaza’s reconstruction.
Also read: Gaza peace accord: Will Israel confer its highest civilian honor on Donald Trump? - Here's what we know
The US-backed plan envisions an international body overseeing Gaza, supported by Arab-led security forces and Palestinian technocrats. Israel insists Hamas must disarm, while Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal — leaving key questions about Gaza’s long-term future unresolved.
"This is my great honor — a great and beautiful day. A new beginning."
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 13, 2025
— Donald J. Trump https://t.co/htcxR6HQI5
Two years of conflict
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel’s subsequent offensive has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with about half reportedly women and children. Nearly 90 per cent of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced, and the enclave has been left in ruins.
Aid expected to surge
Under the ceasefire, Israel has approved 190,000 metric tons of humanitarian aid for Gaza, with deliveries expected to rise to 600 trucks per day. “Much of Gaza is a wasteland,” said UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, adding that the UN plans to restore essential services and clear debris over the next two months.
You may also like
K'taka: 'Is hosting a dinner meet with Ministers major crime'? Siddaramaiah asks (Ld)
RRI scientists deploy coffee-stain effect to spot deadly dyes in food
Kerala to seek NSS-like teacher appointment benefits for all aided schools
This Morning brought to a halt for engagement news after Jane McDonald proposal
Siddhu Jonnalagada's 'Telusu Kada' trailer shows film will be about power in relationships!
