All 20 living Israeli hostages released by Hamas, 154 Palestinian captives freed by Israel via Egypt

All 20 living Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas have been released back into Israel, while another 26 dead hostages and two more, whose fates are unknown, are set to be released at an unconfirmed time.

According to The Times of Israel, Hamas has also identified four dead Israeli hostages, whose bodies will be returned to Israel via the Red Cross.

In exchange, Israel has reportedly freed 154 Palestinian captives from its prisons and have begun transporting them into Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.

The exchange, a brainchild of U.S. president Donald Trump, marks the first phase of a "peace plan" aimed at ending the two-year Gaza War.

Following the hostage exchange between the two countries, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also urged all parties involved to honour their obligations under the ceasefire agreement.

All Israeli hostages freed

In the early afternoon of Oct. 13, The Times of Israel reported that the last 20 living Israeli hostages have been returned to Israel after two years of captivity by Hamas.

Earlier in the morning, the first seven hostages were released by Hamas as Trump arrived in the Knesset to address the Israeli parliament.

Hamas has also released the names of deceased Israeli hostages, whose bodies they intend to return to Israel via the Red Cross at an unspecified time.

Scenes of reunions between the released hostages and their families were released by the Israeli Defense Forces on X.

Gaza detainees released, undergoing medical checks

A total of 154 Palestinian prisoners were also released on Oct. 13, reported Al Jazeera.

They were welcomed with a cheering crowd at the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza after being transferred to Egypt as part of the release deal.

More than 1,700 detainees are expected to be released by Israel during the ongoing exchange.

The Health Ministry in Gaza confirmed in a statement that those who have been freed are currently provided appropriate care and undergoing medical procedures.

Calls for release of dead hostages' remains, UN to support efforts to end conflict

Guterres said in a post on X on Oct. 13 that he welcomes the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

He expressed profound relief that the hostages have "regained their freedom" and will be reunited with their loved ones.

He also renewed his call for the release of the remains of deceased hostages, urging all parties involved to "build on this momentum" and fully honour their obligations under the ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the conflict in Gaza.

Guterres added that the UN is working to support all efforts to end the Gaza conflict and alleviate the suffering of civilians.

I very much welcome the release of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

I am profoundly relieved that they have regained their freedom & will soon be reunited with their loved ones after the immense suffering they have endured.

I reiterate my call for the release of the remains… pic.twitter.com/jKbUAkvyjY

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 13, 2025

Top images via IDF/X & AFP