The stays of 4 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza had been handed over to the Pink Cross and returned to Israel on Monday (October 13), the Israeli military confirmed. The our bodies arrived in 4 coffins on the Nationwide Institute for Forensic Drugs in Tel Aviv, the place identification procedures are being carried out.
“The handover of the our bodies was a part of the ceasefire settlement brokered by US President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas,” the navy mentioned.
As a part of the primary section of the ceasefire, Hamas is predicted to return one other 24 deceased hostages.
“Hamas is required to uphold the settlement and take the required steps to return all of the deceased hostages,” the navy added.
Residing hostages freed
Earlier on Monday, Hamas launched all 20 surviving Israeli hostages who had been held since October 7, 2023. In return, Israel launched prisoners and detainees, principally Palestinians.
This marks the primary stage of the ceasefire engineered by US President Donald Trump, following earlier truces wherein 141 hostages, together with eight deceased, had been returned in November 2023 and early 2025.
For Israelis, the discharge introduced a wave of reduction and celebration.
Hamas held no ceremonies for the hostages, as a substitute permitting households a primary glimpse by video calls from masked militants.
Prisoner releases
The discharge of almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners sparked jubilation in Gaza and the West Financial institution. Freed detainees had been greeted with cheers, and plenty of flashed victory indicators as they returned to their communities.
The prisoners embrace 250 serving life sentences for assaults on Israelis and 1,700 held with out cost. Palestinian society broadly regards them as freedom fighters.
Trump hails ceasefire as milestone for peace
Trump visited Israel and Egypt to have fun the deal and encourage broader peace within the area. Addressing Israeli lawmakers within the Knesset, he urged translating navy victories into long-term peace.
“Israel, with our assist, has received all that they’ll by pressure of arms. Now it’s time to translate these victories in opposition to terrorists on the battlefield into the last word prize of peace and prosperity for the whole Center East,” Trump mentioned.
Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi attended a summit in Egypt with leaders from over 20 international locations to debate Gaza’s future. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was additionally current.
Key challenges forward
Regardless of the optimism, many important points stay unresolved. Israel insists on Hamas disarmament, whereas Hamas calls for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The governance of Gaza can be unclear, with US plans proposing a world physique overseeing Palestinian technocrats, alongside eventual participation from the Palestinian Authority.
Troops stay in key areas of Gaza, with about 200 US forces monitoring the ceasefire. The potential institution of a Palestinian state stays a sticking level for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
