Hamas Releases All Living Israeli Hostages in Landmark Exchange Deal

In a major breakthrough, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that Hamas has released all 20 living Israeli hostages as part of a historic prisoner exchange agreement between both sides.

The IDF announced the development on Monday, October 13, stating that the freed hostages had safely crossed back into Israel from Gaza, ending weeks of tense negotiations and uncertainty that had gripped the global community.

According to the military, the released hostages were immediately met by Israeli medical teams for health evaluations before being airlifted to hospitals across the country for further care and emotional reunions with their families.

Among those freed are Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Omri Miran — three of the first hostages released earlier in the day.
Heartwarming footage released by the IDF showed 48-year-old Omri Miran embracing his wife, Lishay, after months apart. Miran was abducted from his home in Nahal Oz during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. He appeared emotional but stable.

In a separate statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the identities of 13 additional hostages, including Elkana Bohbot, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, and Bar Kupershtein, who was taken while working at the Nova music festival.

Meanwhile, buses carrying dozens of Palestinian prisoners were seen arriving in Ramallah and Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Prisoners Office.
Israel is reportedly releasing over 1,900 prisoners as part of the broader ceasefire and exchange deal.

The release marks a turning point in the humanitarian negotiations, bringing relief to families and raising cautious hopes for lasting calm in the region after months of violence and grief.