HOSTAGES AND PRISONERS RELEASED IN ISRAEL
On October 14, 2025, hostages and prisoners were released as a result of an agreement following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The agreement stated that Hamas would release the remaining hostages that they took on October 7, 2025, while Israel would free most of the Palestinian prisoners they took as a result of the attacks. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in the Middle East, speaking at Israel’s Parliament, as well as meeting with 20 other leaders in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt.
The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is a pause in the fighting. Many describe it as a “first stage” and say that more details must be agreed on so they can establish lasting peace.
People gathered in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, to wait for the release of the hostages. They waved Israeli flags and signs reading, “they’re coming home.”
The hostages were first handed over to the Israeli Red Cross. Then, they were given to the Israeli military, so they could be examined after health checks. As part of the deal, the bodies of the dead hostages have been promised to be returned. However, as of October 14, 2025, only four have currently been returned.
Israel’s part of the deal was to return the Palestinian prisoners they took. Thousands have already been returned. In the morning of October 14, 2025, dozens of families waited to receive their family members. The crowd welcomed back the first group of people after the prisoners were transported by bus. The remainder of the prisoners are returning to Gaza, including Gaza City. During Israel’s missile strikes, many buildings such as homes, schools, hospitals, mosques, and businesses were destroyed.
This ceasefire was a result of peace talks led by the U.S., and they involved Israel, Hamas, and several Arab countries. It involved the Israeli military pulling back to an agreed point within Gaza, Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners being released, and more aid going into Gaza.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/c867lj38l77o