Hamas will begin releasing Israeli hostages from Gaza on Monday morning, October 13, 2025, a senior official told AFP. The move launches the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which includes freeing 48 remaining hostages, 20 of whom are believed alive, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The announcement comes as indirect talks in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh conclude successfully.
Hamas official Osama Hamdan said, “The prisoner exchange starts Monday as agreed.” The group handed over hostage and prisoner lists on October 8, expressing optimism. Israel’s cabinet approved the framework on October 9, with a ceasefire effective within 24 hours.
Trump hailed the progress, posting on Truth Social: “This is a big day. We’ll see how it turns out.” He plans to attend a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, which will host over 20 countries to discuss Gaza’s future.
The initial phase features a 72-hour window for Hamas to release all hostages, living and dead, and the remains of one hostage held since 2014. Israel will release 250 life-term prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained since the war began. Israeli forces will withdraw to a “yellow line,” allowing 500,000 Palestinians to return north.
The summit, starting Monday afternoon, aims to “end the war, achieve peace, and usher in regional stability,” per Egypt. Attendees include UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Spain’s Pedro Sanchez, and France’s Emmanuel Macron. Hamas won’t attend, relying on Qatari and Egyptian mediators, per Hossam Badran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s participation is unconfirmed.
Israeli hostages to be freed Monday: Hamas
Israeli hostages to be released on Monday morning: top Hamas officialhttps://t.co/o7A4wNY1PS
— Gulf News (@gulf_news) October 12, 2025While Phase One advances, Phase Two disarmament, governance, and permanent ceasefire remain complex. Hamas rejects disarmament without the end of Israeli occupation and Palestinian state recognition. A source said, “The second phase has many difficulties.” Trump’s plan envisions a multinational force from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE replacing Israel, coordinated by a US-led centre.
Despite optimism, Israeli strikes killed 19 Palestinians in 24 hours on October 10, the lowest recent toll. Gaza’s health ministry reported 67,682 deaths since the war started. Displaced resident Raja Salmi, 52, said, “Every step home was filled with fear, our house is dusty.”
Read: Trump Says Gaza Peace Deal Very Close as Hamas Shares Hostage List
In Israel, the shekel hit a three-year high, and Tel Aviv stocks peaked. Hostage families like Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among the 20 alive, vowed to fight until all return. Zairo Shachar Mohr Munder, whose uncle Abraham’s body was recovered in August, said, “We feel hope but won’t stop.”
The UN’s humanitarian office plans to deliver 170,000 tonnes of aid if the ceasefire holds. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted “a lot of headway,” predicting a truce if positive. A Paris meeting on October 9 discusses the post-war transition.
