All remaining living hostages held in Gaza returned to Israel

The Hamas terrorist group on Monday released 20 individuals as part of a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States. The International Committee of the Red Cross initially received the hostages before transferring them to the custody of the Israel Defense Forces. Each person underwent a medical assessment before traveling to hospitals to reunite with their families. Several families released statements thanking God, Israeli security forces, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Donald Trump for their work to secure their loved ones’ release. Meanwhile, the bodies of only four of the 28 deceased hostages held by Hamas were returned on Monday. In exchange for the hostages, Israel was expected to release from custody 1,700 Gaza residents who were not involved in the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.

What have officials said? President Donald Trump spoke to Israel’s parliament, praising the courage of the families of the hostages and celebrating the ceasefire agreement. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also cheered their release and vowed to continue fighting to see all the hostages returned. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff thanked Trump and other officials who helped facilitate the hostages’ release. Meanwhile, Netanyahu and Trump met with the families of the deceased and returning hostages. 

Dig deeper: Read Elizabeth Russell’s report about the ceasefire agreement.