Emotions run high as Hamas releases first batch of seven hostages as part of Gaza peace deal

Emotions ran high as Hamas released a batch of 20 living hostages.

The celebratory mood is palpable in Tel Aviv as emotions run high with Hamas releasing a first batch of seven hostages as part of the Gaza peace deal. Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank are bracing for a decisive few hours as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas enters a crucial phase.

The handover of 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, has begun in Gaza after a peace deal was struck between Israel and Hamas in Egypt last week during indirect talks.

With the broadcast of the release streamed widely,  first visuals of release of seven hostages into the custody of the Red Cross was cheered on emphatically by the Israeli citizen. There was no immediate information on their condition.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has begun “a multi-phase operation” to oversee the release of hostages and prisoners under the Gaza ceasefire, according to several international publication.

Hamas on Monday published the names of the 20 Israeli hostages to be released under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. The names included Bar Abraham Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Angrest, Matan Zangauker, Eitan Horn, Eitan Abraham Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, Ariel Cunio and David Cunio.

US President Donald Trump departed on Sunday (October 12, 2025) on a high-stakes peace trip to Israel and Egypt, declaring the “war is over” in Gaza despite uncertainty about what will follow a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas.

Following the release of Hostages,  Israel will free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages are expected to be freed early Monday morning. These are the names and stories of the hostages Israel believes remain alive.