Live updates: October 7 hostage release and political developments
As the ceasefire arrangement unfolds, Israel confirms that all hostages originally abducted on October 7 have now been released by Hamas. In a closely watched process, Hamas is also obligated to deliver the bodies of 28 people who died after their capture, with the return and identification handled through the Red Cross and the Israeli authorities. A short ceremony is planned once the remains are handed over to the IDF inside Gaza, followed by formal identification at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute and notifications to families for timely burial, according to government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian.
What the ceasefire requires and what happens next
The ceasefire arrangement emphasizes not only the release of hostages but also the return of bodies of those killed during the October 7 attacks. After retrieval, the bodies will be prepared for burial in accordance with Jewish law and traditions. The process includes medical and forensic verification, ensuring families receive the bodies to bury their loved ones with proper rites. While this marks a significant milestone, the broader goal remains disarmament and stabilization in Gaza, with Hamas facing a delicate balance between accepting the terms of the deal and maintaining its influence on the ground.
Gaza security situation and the today’s deployments
Even as hostages walk free, reports indicate Hamas fighters are mobilizing in parts of Gaza. Video evidence from Reuters shows armed members, including individuals wearing Qassam Brigades insignia, near a southern Gaza hospital, suggesting that Hamas continues to project power as the prisoner release progresses. Israeli forces have withdrawn to a degree per the agreement but remain positioned across roughly half of the territory. Analysts have noted 7,000 Hamas fighters mobilized in the area, with no unanimous commitment to disarm.
Trump’s arrival and address to Israeli lawmakers
In a dramatic political moment, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at the Knesset with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signing a large guestbook and declaring this “a great honor, a great and beautiful day, a new beginning.” He is slated to speak to members of the Israeli parliament shortly, underscoring the strong U.S.-Israel alignment during a tense period in the region.
Personal stories: the released hostages and their families
The first wave of released hostages includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, with the IDF releasing images of several freed captives. Among them is Alon Ohel, 24, who was abducted at the Nova music festival and later identified with multiple citizenships. Fraternal twins Gali and Ziv Berman, 28, were taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza and are seen embracing after release. Another released hostage, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24, spoke with an IDF soldier after retrieval. The families of the hostages, including those of Tamir Nimrodi and Bipin Joshi, have endured long waits for news, with Joshi’s Nepalese family repeatedly advocating for his return.
Video calls have connected some hostages with family members as operations proceeded. Instances included Rom Braslavski, 21, who spoke with his parents from Gaza, offering hope that all hostages would soon be home. The authorities have indicated that those freed will be medically assessed and either reunified with families at a base or admitted to hospitals if urgent care is needed. The public focus remains on the safety and well-being of all released captives while continuing to monitor the broader ceasefire’s durability.
Looking ahead
With the first cohort released and the second cohort en route, observers will be watching closely how the Red Cross-handled handovers unfold and how the on-ground dynamics in Gaza evolve as Hamas maintains a posture of influence. The path to a lasting peace will hinge on disarmament commitments, reform, and regional diplomacy, even as families celebrate the return of loved ones and honor those who did not survive the attacks.
