A second group of 13 Israeli hostages has been handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza, Israeli media reported on Monday, marking another step in the ongoing hostage-for-prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas. The latest release follows the handover of an earlier batch of six hostages earlier in the day, as international mediators continue efforts to stabilise the fragile ceasefire in the region.
Second group of hostages freed
According to reports by i24 News, Hamas transferred the new group of hostages to Red Cross officials in Gaza on Monday afternoon. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) later confirmed that the hostages were being transported to Israeli forces stationed inside Gaza for medical evaluation and debriefing.
Earlier, the IDF had announced that seven hostages—identified as Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal—had safely crossed into Israeli custody after being escorted by special units. All seven underwent medical and psychological checkups at an IDF facility near the border community of Re’im before being reunited with their families.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said all families of the released hostages were informed and that the government “embraces our hostages returning home.” It reiterated Israel’s commitment to securing the freedom of all captives still held by Hamas.
“The Government of Israel is committed to the return of all hostages held by the enemy and will pursue this mission with determination and persistence,” the statement read.
Families rejoice as emotional reunions begin
Emotional scenes unfolded across Israel as relatives prepared to welcome home their loved ones. Videos released by local media showed family members speaking to hostages via video calls prior to their return.
Avishai David, father of hostage Evyatar David, told Channel 12 News that his family was waiting to “hug, smell, and breathe” their son once he returns. In another video, Avi Ohana, father of hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, could be seen speaking to his son, telling him that “everyone is waiting” for his arrival.
The IDF said all rescued individuals would receive counselling and ongoing medical support after reunification.
Trump, Macron welcome development
The release coincided with the arrival of US President Donald Trump in Israel on Monday morning. According to the White House, Trump watched the first moments of the hostage handover aboard Air Force One en route to Tel Aviv. In a statement, the administration described the release as “history in the making” and reaffirmed US commitment to the broader peace framework being discussed with regional allies.
French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the release, expressing hope that it could pave the way for long-term peace in the Middle East.
“I share the joy of the families and of the Israeli people as seven hostages have just been handed over to the Red Cross,” Macron wrote on X. “With their release and that of the thirteen other hostages expected this morning, peace becomes possible for Israel, for Gaza, and for the region.”
Macron is scheduled to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit in Egypt later on Monday, where world leaders—including representatives from Arab nations—are expected to deliberate on the US-led peace initiative aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. The French president said his country would support “every stage of President Trump’s plan” alongside Arab partners.
Ceasefire deal and ongoing efforts
The current hostage releases form part of the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner-exchange agreement reached last week between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Under the deal, Hamas agreed to release Israeli and foreign hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Reports indicate that Hamas still holds the remains of 28 hostages, with plans underway to return most of them to Israel later in the day. Israeli officials said efforts would continue until every hostage is accounted for.
The developments come amid renewed optimism that the ongoing truce may evolve into a broader political settlement. However, military analysts caution that the situation remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of sporadic violations in border areas.
As the hostages return home to emotional reunions, families and leaders alike hope the releases mark a decisive step toward ending years of violence that have gripped the region.