Hamas has released the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages under a comprehensive ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement mediated by international partners.
The release, which took place early Monday, follows weeks of intense diplomatic negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and other intermediaries.
The hostages, who were transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being handed over to Israeli authorities, are now undergoing medical evaluations and debriefing by the Israel Defense Forces.
Government officials in Jerusalem confirmed that the freed captives were among those held since the October 2023 Hamas raid that triggered the Gaza war. Their release signals the first full handover of all surviving hostages since the conflict began.
Under the terms of the agreement, Israel is expected to release approximately 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, including several long-term detainees and individuals convicted on security-related charges.
The exchange was coordinated alongside a phased ceasefire that includes a halt to Israeli military operations and a gradual withdrawal of forces from populated areas of Gaza.
Officials familiar with the negotiations said the deal represents a delicate balance between humanitarian demands and national security considerations.
It also reflects growing international pressure to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where reconstruction and governance plans are now under review by international agencies. Diplomatic observers have described the agreement as the most comprehensive ceasefire framework since the start of hostilities.
It includes commitments from both parties to allow sustained humanitarian aid, reopen key border crossings, and engage in discussions on a long-term political roadmap for Gaza’s administration.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the hostage release “a moment of relief for our nation” but cautioned that broader regional security concerns remain unresolved.
He reiterated that Israel would continue to pursue the return of the bodies of at least 28 deceased hostages still believed to be in Gaza.
In Washington, officials credited months of behind-the-scenes coordination led by the United States and Egypt for creating the environment necessary to reach a settlement.
The agreement was also reportedly aligned with elements of the Trump-led Gaza peace framework, which seeks to establish a demilitarized governance structure and ensure lasting security guarantees for Israel.
Analysts note that while the release of the final living hostages marks a critical humanitarian success, it also ushers in a complex phase of political recalibration. Within Israel, the government faces pressure from families of victims to ensure accountability, while Palestinians view the prisoner release as a rare victory after years of conflict and blockade.
Regional markets reacted cautiously to the development, with oil prices showing mild volatility amid speculation of broader Middle East stability. Diplomats have urged all parties to consolidate the ceasefire into a lasting truce, warning that any violation could jeopardize fragile progress made through months of negotiation.
As dawn broke over Israel and Gaza, scenes of emotional reunions between freed captives and their families unfolded across the country.
The moment, though bittersweet, underscored the human cost of a conflict that has reshaped the region’s security, diplomacy, and future trajectory.
