Hamas Hostage Release: Key Points
- Lead Paragraph: Summarizes the hostage release as a historic milestone and Trump’s involvement.
- Hostage Details: Provides specific information about the hostages and their experiences.
- Ceasefire Terms: Explains the exchange agreement and its components.
- Peace Plan: Describes Trump’s broader roadmap and remaining challenges.
- Regional Impact: Covers local reactions and humanitarian situation.
- Future Outlook: Looks ahead to implementation challenges and next steps.
In a historic breakthrough for Middle East peace efforts, Hamas is preparing to release the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Signalling a potential end to a devastating two-year conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. This exchange, finalised through US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic intervention, represents the most significant step toward peace since the conflict began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
The Human Stories Behind the Hamas Hostage Release
Among those expected to regain freedom is Matan Zangauker, a 25-year-old from Kibbutz Nir Oz who was abducted alongside his girlfriend, Ilana Gritzewsky, who was released in a previous deal. His mother, Einav Zangauker, became a leading voice for hostage families and was named one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2024.
American hostage Edan Alexander provided concerning details about Zangauker’s condition in captivity, reporting significant weight loss, abdominal pain, and mental distress. In May 2025, his mother made an emotional plea: “Since I learned about the torture and the physical and mental suffering my son is enduring, I haven’t been able to eat, and I can barely breathe”.
The hostages represent diverse backgrounds and stories:
- Alon Ohel, a 24-year-old musician kidnapped from the Nova festival, whose parents placed dozens of pianos across Israel with the message “You are not alone”
- Ariel and David Cunio, brothers from Kibbutz Nir Oz abducted along with their wives and children, though their families were freed earlier
- Avinatan Or, whose abduction from the Nova festival with his partner Noa Argamani became a defining image of the October 7 attacks
- Omri Miran, at 48 the oldest living hostage still held in Gaza
Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement For Hamas Hostage Release
The exchange follows a 72-hour ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025. After Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a 20-point peace plan brokered by the Trump administration. The specific terms include:
- Release of all 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas
- Return of remains of up to 28 deceased hostages
- Israel’s release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences
- Withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-designated lines within Gaza
- Increased humanitarian aid is entering the devastated territory
An Israeli government spokesperson confirmed that Palestinian prisoners would be released once the living hostages reach Israeli territory.
The Road to Peace: Trump’s 20-Point Plan
President Trump’s peace initiative, unveiled in late September 2025, represents the most comprehensive approach to resolving the Gaza conflict to date. While the current ceasefire covers the initial phase, the broader agreement envisions:
- Deployment of an International Stabilization Force comprising Arab and international partners to provide security in Gaza
- Demilitarization of Hamas and dismantling of their tunnel networks
- Transitional governance by Palestinian technocrats under international supervision
- Large-scale reconstruction of Gaza’s devastated infrastructure
- Conditional pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood
The agreement comes after previous ceasefire attempts collapsed in December 2023 and March 2025, leading to resumed hostilities.
Regional Reactions and Humanitarian Impact
As the ceasefire held for its third day on Sunday, thousands of Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza, describing widespread devastation. “We couldn’t believe the destruction we have seen,” said Rami Mohammad-Ali, 37, after walking from Deir al-Balah to Gaza City.
The scale of displacement remains massive, with Amjad Al Shawa, who heads a Palestinian organization coordinating with aid groups, estimating 300,000 tents needed to temporarily house 1.5 million displaced Gazans.
The conflict has exacted a staggering human toll since it began:
- Approximately 68,000 Palestinians were killed, including more than 18,000 children, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry
- About 1,200 Israelis were killed in the initial October 7 attacks
- 251 people were taken hostage in the original Hamas attacks
The Path Forward
President Trump’s brief visit to the region includes addressing Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, before travelling to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for an international peace summit. This summit is expected to include leaders from more than 20 countries, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
However, significant challenges remain. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that once hostages are returned, the military would destroy Hamas’s underground tunnel network. Meanwhile, Hamas has recalled approximately 7,000 members of its security forces to reassert control in areas vacated by Israeli troops.
The successful implementation of this agreement represents not just a diplomatic achievement but a lifeline for thousands of families on both sides who have endured unimaginable suffering. As Sylvia Cunio, mother of two hostage sons, expressed: “I always try to stay optimistic because there’s no other way… I just want them all home”.
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