Hamas Frees Final Hostages, Trump Declares Gaza War Over Amidst Fragile Ceasefire

Jerusalem/Cairo/Doha – October 13, 2025 – In a pivotal development marking a significant turning point, Hamas has released all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages to Israel. This act, brokered under a ceasefire agreement, has led former U.S. President Donald Trump to proclaim the “Gaza war over” and herald the “historic dawn of a new Middle East.” The news has sent waves of emotion, with thousands gathering in Tel Aviv to celebrate the return of captives held for over two years.

The Release of the Last Hostages

The Israeli military confirmed the reception of all surviving hostages after their transfer from Gaza by the Red Cross on Monday, October 13, 2025. The announcement was met with scenes of jubilation, hugging, and weeping among the crowds at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. Earlier in the day, the first group of seven hostages arrived, followed by the remaining thirteen later. The bodies of 28 deceased hostages are also expected to be handed over as part of the comprehensive deal, though the exact timing for their return remained unclear.

Trump’s Role and Proclamations

Former President Donald Trump, who played a key role in brokering the truce, arrived in Israel to celebrate the agreement. Addressing the Israeli Knesset, he declared, “This is not only the end of a war. This is the end of the age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope and of God.” Trump reiterated his assertion that the “war is over” and expressed confidence in the ceasefire holding, stating he had received “guarantees” from involved parties. He was also scheduled to fly to Egypt for a summit aimed at solidifying conditions for lasting peace in the region.

Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange

The release of hostages is a cornerstone of the ceasefire accord, which also includes the exchange of numerous Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel agreed to release over 1,900 Palestinian detainees, including individuals serving life sentences and those detained following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Footage on Israeli television showed buses carrying freed Palestinian detainees departing from Israeli prisons towards Gaza and the West Bank.

Background to the Agreement

The conflict, which began with the Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals, has spanned two devastating years. The war has significantly reshaped the Middle East, causing immense destruction in Gaza, rendering nearly its entire population homeless, and triggering a vast humanitarian crisis. The fighting also led to spillover conflicts involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis.

Trump’s 20-Point Plan and Future Challenges

Central to the diplomatic breakthrough is Donald Trump’s “20-point plan,” which has provided a framework for ending hostilities and addressing the region’s complex issues. The plan reportedly advocates for Hamas’s exclusion from future governance in Gaza, with provisions for a transitional Palestinian governing body overseen by an international board. While the current agreement focuses on the immediate release of hostages and prisoners, significant obstacles remain. The issue of Gaza’s post-war governance and the disarmament of Hamas are critical points that require further agreement, underscoring the fragile nature of the current peace and the long road ahead for a sustainable resolution.

This historic development, while bringing immediate relief, marks only the first phase of a complex process. The world now watches as diplomatic efforts continue to build upon this fragile foundation, aiming to secure a lasting peace in the Middle East. The implications of this news will unfold in the coming days and weeks as leaders convene for critical peace talks.