Hamas Frees First Seven Hostages Under Gaza Peace Agreement

Israel, Oct 13 : Hamas has freed the first group of seven hostages, marking a significant step in the Gaza ceasefire and peace agreement, the Israeli military confirmed on Monday. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) took custody of the released hostages, who have safely returned to Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said.

The seven hostages Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal had been held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Their return comes as U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Tel Aviv, playing a key role in brokering the peace deal after two years of conflict.

Trump is scheduled to receive Israel’s highest civilian honor, the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, for his contributions to facilitating the ceasefire and hostage release. Upon departure for Israel, Trump declared, “The war is over” in Gaza.

A second group of 13 hostages is expected to be released shortly. In total, 20 hostages are currently confirmed alive. The release has been widely celebrated across Israel, with families and citizens welcoming the hostages home.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which campaigned for their release, posted on social media: “Welcome Home! After 738 agonising days in captivity, Omri Miran, Matan Angrest, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Alon Ohel, and Eitan Mor are returning to their families, friends, and a nation that fought for this day.” They added, “Our struggle is not over. It will not end until the last hostage is located and returned for proper burial.”

Thousands of Israelis gathered at the Nova site, where many were massacred and taken hostage on October 7, 2023, to offer prayers and show solidarity.

As part of the agreement, Israel is set to release 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees in exchange for the hostages, signaling a major step toward stabilizing the region.