All Israeli hostages still alive in Gaza were released this Monday (13), ending more than two years of captivity under Hamas. According to the Israeli Army, a final group of 13 people crossed the border this morning, joining the seven hostages released earlier. All are under medical care and will be reunited with their families.
The release marks the main advance in the ceasefire mediated by the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, which also provides for the release of 1,718 Palestinians detained by Israel since October 7, 2023, in addition to 250 prisoners serving life sentences.
The agreement ends, at least temporarily, two years of war that began after the Hamas attack on southern Israel, which left around 1,200 people dead and 250 kidnapped. Since then, the Israeli offensive has caused more than 67,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the local Ministry of Health.
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United States President Donald Trump followed the liberation operation and arrived at the Israeli Parliament, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before addressing members of the Knesset. Trump will also meet with family members of the freed hostages.
Afterwards, the American president will head to Egypt, where he will participate in an international summit on the future of Gaza, with the presence of leaders from more than 20 countries.
The first phase of the agreement foresees the daily entry of hundreds of trucks with food, fuel and medicine into Gaza, under Israeli supervision. Humanitarian agencies say the operation is essential to contain hunger and serve the millions of Palestinians displaced after two years of fighting.
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Despite diplomatic progress, negotiations over Gaza’s political future remain undefined. Israel demands the complete disarmament of Hamas, while the group demands the total withdrawal of Israeli troops and a new civilian administration for the enclave.
