- October 13, 2025
- 7:54 pm
- Middle East
Hostage Release: A New Stage in Relations Between Hamas and Israel
On October 13, 2025, Red Cross vehicles transport Israeli hostages released as part of an agreement between Hamas and Israel. This event marked an important milestone in the complex relations between the two sides.
The television channel reports that about 250 Palestinian prisoners were released in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza or deported to Egypt. Earlier, The Guardian reported the arrival of two buses with 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
Exchange Dynamics and Political Steps
According to the Palestinian Commission for Prisoners’ Affairs, 88 of nearly 2,000 people were sent to the West Bank, and the rest were deported to Gaza. Hamas announced the transfer of the bodies of four hostages to Israel, but the timing of the return of the remaining 24 bodies remains unknown, reports the Associated Press.
The Role of International Mediators
Sky News notes that Israel must release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and more than 1,700 detained without charges. International mediators played an important role in this process.
On October 13, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel to observe the hostage release process. During a speech in the Knesset, he announced the end of the war in the Gaza Strip.
Peace Agreement and Its Consequences
After visiting Israel, Trump traveled to Egypt for the peace agreement signing ceremony. CNN reports on his arrival in Sharm el-Sheikh.
On October 10, U.S. President’s Special Representative Steve Witkoff announced the completion of the first phase of the Israeli troops’ withdrawal to the yellow line and the start of a 72-hour period for the release of hostages.
On October 13, Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages held since October 2023. This was part of an agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip, brokered by the U.S.
The events of recent days highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of political processes in the region. Every action and decision here has far-reaching consequences, shaping a new reality in the Middle East.
