Dalena Reporters | October 13, 2025
In a dramatic development that could shape the trajectory of the Israel–Gaza conflict, Hamas and Israel have initiated a much-anticipated prisoner and captive exchange deal. The exchange is unfolding under a ceasefire agreement, and is scheduled to precede an international Gaza summit later this week.
Cheers erupted in Israel early Monday as the first seven hostages were formally handed over by Hamas to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Later in the day, Israel confirmed that 13 additional captives—taken in the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 assault—were also released.
Under the terms of the deal:
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Hamas is releasing 20 living Israeli captives from Gaza.
In return, nearly 2,000 Palestinians incarcerated in Israeli prisons are being freed, including some held without formal charges and others serving sentences.
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Additionally, Hamas will hand over the bodies of four deceased captives.
🧍 Freed Captives & Reactions
Among the first released Israelis were: Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24), Eitan Mor (25), Matan Angrest (22), Alon Ohel (24), Gali and Ziv Berman (both 28), and Omri Miran (48). Subsequently released were Elkana Bohbot (36), Rom Braslavski (21), Nimrod Cohen (21), Evyatar David (24), Maxim Herkin (37), Eitan Horn (39), Segev Kalfon (27), Bar Kuperstein (23), Yosef Chaim Ohana (25), Avinatan Or (32), Matan Zangauker (25), David Cunio (35), and Ariel Cunio (28).
Some of the freed Palestinians were flown out of Ofer prison. In southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, video footage showed freed prisoners disembarking buses near Nasser Hospital, saluted by cheering crowds and attended by medical teams on standby.
One former detainee, Shadi Abu Seed, spoke of years of mistreatment:
“I went hungry for the past two years … They kept us naked. They beat us day and night … We were tortured.”
Families waiting at release points expressed overwhelming emotion. Yasser Abu Azzoum, awaiting his son Mohammed’s arrival, said:
“I’m not able to speak properly because I am overwhelmed with joy.”
Israeli officials described the released captives as being in “reasonable condition, walking without needing medical assistance.” In Israel, relatives greeted their loved ones, some pale, thin, but alive and walking.
The exchange comes amid hopes that the prisoner deal will lend momentum to a ceasefire and peace process. Over 67,800 lives have reportedly been lost in Gaza amid relentless aerial bombardments and a crippling blockade.
United States President Donald Trump, who has played a central role in brokering the deal, traveled to Israel in advance of the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. He addressed the Knesset, declaring a “historic dawn” and lauding cooperation across Arab and Muslim states pushing for the hostages’ release. During his speech, two Knesset members briefly disrupted proceedings—one holding a sign reading “Recognize Palestine.” Trump also praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged Palestinians to focus on reconstruction.
Notably, despite his invitation, Netanyahu will not attend the summit. Leaders from Jordan, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the UN Secretary-General are expected to co-chair or attend.
While Israel is preparing to allow increased flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, many analysts remain skeptical about whether a long-term peace can emerge from the deal, given the deep wounds and distrust on both sides.