Hamas releases all living Israeli hostages

Hamas has released all 20 living Israeli hostages as part of a landmark prisoner exchange deal with Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday morning that the hostages had safely crossed back into Israel from Gaza, marking the end of a tense and emotional standoff that has gripped the world for weeks.

According to the IDF, the freed hostages were immediately received by Israeli medical teams for initial evaluation before being flown to hospitals across the country for further treatment and reunification with their families.

Among those released are Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Omri Miran, three of the first hostages to be freed earlier in the day. IDF helicopters airlifted them to hospitals following preliminary medical checks.

Heartwarming images released by the military showed 48-year-old Omri Miran embracing his wife, Lishay, after months of separation. Miran, who was abducted from his home in Nahal Oz during the October 7, 2023, attack, appeared emotional but in stable condition.

In a separate statement, the Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the names of 13 additional hostages released by Hamas, including Elkana Bohbot, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, and Bar Kupershtein, who was taken while working at the Nova music festival.

Meanwhile, in Gaza and the West Bank, emotional scenes played out as Israel began releasing Palestinian prisoners and detainees in return. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Information Office reported that the first of 38 buses carrying freed detainees had crossed into Gaza.

The exchange comes as world leaders prepare to meet at an international peace summit in Egypt, where U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to discuss the next steps toward a lasting ceasefire.

With all living Israeli hostages now free, attention is turning to the fate of the bodies of deceased captives, which Hamas has pledged to hand over later.