Hamas Frees Last Living Hostages as Israel Holds Palestinian Prisoners in Exchange Amid US-Brokered Gaza Ceasefire

Hamas freed the last 20 living Israeli hostages under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

“Egypt is increasing its regional influence as it prepares to host the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit on October 13, 2025”

Egyptian Gazette

Israel began releasing over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in a large exchange tied to a summit in Egypt.

Egyptian Gazette

CNN reports that Donald Trump hailed a “dawn of a new Middle East” as the 20 survivors returned after two years in Gaza, with four coffins of deceased hostages handed to the Red Cross.

AP News adds that the ceasefire started October 13, 2025, with about 200 U.S. troops in Israel to monitor it, and confirms Israel’s release of more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.

The BBC describes nearly 2,000 Palestinians welcomed home in Khan Younis and notes leaders gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Israeli outlet i24NEWS says all 20 were transferred to Israeli military custody for medical checks.

Al Jazeera emphasizes that Israel was releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, many without charges, in return for the 20 captives and the bodies of others who died in captivity.

The ceasefire unfolded against the backdrop of mass Palestinian death from Israeli military operations.

Vatican News states Gaza’s health ministry reported over 67,000 deaths due to two years of Israeli military operations and famine.

Touteleurope.eu

AP News similarly records over 67,000 Palestinian deaths.

NPR quantifies the devastation as 78% of structures damaged or destroyed and more than 20,000 children killed.

West Asian outlets describe the scale and characterize Israel’s actions more starkly.

TRT World says Israeli attacks have killed over 67,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Multiple sources document global accusations of genocide against Israel.

Il Sole 24 ORE reports protests amid accusations of complicity in genocide.

Military.com notes accusations of genocide.

Key details of the exchange remain fraught.

“The article reports on a historic prisoner exchange between Israel and Gaza, in which 20 hostages held for over two years were released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails”

The Sydney Morning Herald

BBC notes that Hamas handed over the coffins of two deceased hostages, with two more expected soon.

Time Magazine reports that only four of the 28 deceased Israeli hostages have been returned, angering families.

NBC News and The Times of India report that Israel deported many released Palestinians.

NBC says 154 were deported to Egypt, with The Times of India confirming that 154 have arrived in Egypt and are expected to be transferred to third countries.

Al Jazeera adds that some released Palestinians face restrictions in the West Bank and that Marwan Barghouti remains imprisoned.

What comes next is contested.

AP News says the U.S. proposes an international oversight plan with Palestinian technocrats, an Arab-led security force, and regional training.

Al Jazeera

AP News also notes that Netanyahu opposes the plan while Israeli forces still hold key areas.

Al Jazeera clarifies that 200 US troops are only monitoring the ceasefire and will not engage in combat.

Al Jazeera adds that Israel still controls over half the territory.

Scripps News outlines Trump’s 20-point plan, which includes an initial Israeli troop withdrawal, a 72-hour window for hostage returns, disarming Hamas, and a technocratic committee under international oversight with an International Stabilization Force.

FOX61 similarly describes an international body over Palestinian technocrats and an Arab-led force with Egypt- and Jordan-led police training.

Despite these plans, NBC4 Washington underscores that Hamas’s disarmament, Israel’s military presence, and Gaza’s governance remain unresolved.

Trump’s political theater around the ceasefire is part of the story.

“Palestinians returning to Gaza face extensive destruction and slow humanitarian aid amid severe hardships”

Al Jazeera

NBC News highlights his Knesset speech touting about $21.7 billion in U.S. arms to Israel and his surprise plea to pardon Netanyahu.

WHEC

India Today and RTS report lawmakers were removed after accusing Israel of genocide, demanding recognition of Palestine, or calling for a two-state solution.

Fox 32 Chicago and ABC7 Los Angeles note Trump publicly urged a pardon for Netanyahu as he declared that Israel had met its military goals.

These accounts show an agreement framed by heavy U.S. military support, hardline Israeli politics, and partisan spectacle even as families mourn those Israel and Hamas have not yet returned.