By — Shyla Duff Shyla Duff Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/watch-freed-israeli-hostages-reunite-with-families Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Freed Israeli hostages reunite with families World Oct 13, 2025 3:24 PM EDT The 20 remaining living Israeli hostages were released Monday after two years of captivity, part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, and prisoner and hostage exchange. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were also released as part of the deal to end the war in Gaza, which began with an Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 people. More than 67,000 Palestinians were also killed by Israel’s two-year offensive in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. In footage provided by the Israeli army and families, hostages embraced loved ones in emotional reunions. Thousands across the country gathered to celebrate their return home. The releases mark the first phase of the agreement, which also includes ramped up aid and food deliveries into Gaza. Other details of the agreement are uncertain. President Donald Trump met with leaders in Egypt on Monday for a global summit on the ceasefire deal and long-term peace. More from our coverage: Watch: Netanyahu tells Israeli parliament he’s ‘committed to this peace’ as Trump touts Gaza deal Read: Living hostages and Palestinian prisoners released as part of Gaza ceasefire Watch: Trump celebrates hostage release, calls for Netanyahu pardon in speech to Israeli parliament A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Shyla Duff Shyla Duff
The 20 remaining living Israeli hostages were released Monday after two years of captivity, part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, and prisoner and hostage exchange. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were also released as part of the deal to end the war in Gaza, which began with an Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 people. More than 67,000 Palestinians were also killed by Israel’s two-year offensive in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. In footage provided by the Israeli army and families, hostages embraced loved ones in emotional reunions. Thousands across the country gathered to celebrate their return home. The releases mark the first phase of the agreement, which also includes ramped up aid and food deliveries into Gaza. Other details of the agreement are uncertain. President Donald Trump met with leaders in Egypt on Monday for a global summit on the ceasefire deal and long-term peace. More from our coverage: Watch: Netanyahu tells Israeli parliament he’s ‘committed to this peace’ as Trump touts Gaza deal Read: Living hostages and Palestinian prisoners released as part of Gaza ceasefire Watch: Trump celebrates hostage release, calls for Netanyahu pardon in speech to Israeli parliament A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now