From hostage release to Trump’s Knesset address: Everything happening in Israel and Gaza explained in 5 points | World News

People wave Israeli flags in celebration as they wait outside Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, Israel, where some of the freed hostages are expected to arrive after being released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

After 737 days, 20 Israeli hostages, who were abducted Hamas on October 7, 2023, reunited with their loved ones on Monday, ending their more than two-year-long ordeal. The hostages were freed Hamas as part of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan, proposed US President Donald Trump. The first phase of the ceasefire deal also saw Israel free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as part of the swap agreement and also withdraw from Gaza to facilitate the arrival of the much-needed aid to the starving population of the enclave.

These are the five most important developments Gaza and Israel saw throughout the day.

01All 20 living Israeli hostages return homeIt was an emotional rollercoaster for 48 families as 20 of the hostages who had been held Hamas since October 7, 2023, returned to Israel. While the families of the 20 living hostages celebrated the return of their loved ones, it was also a moment of heartbreak for the 28 others, are they had to come to terms with a fear that haunted them for two years – their loved ones not coming home alive. The returning hostages are Matan Zangauker, Maxim Herkin, Segev Kalfon, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Nimrod Cohen, Avinatan Or, Evyatar David, Eitan Horn, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Elkana Bohbot, Bar Kupershtein and Rom Braslavski. Only four bodies of deceased hostages will be released on Monday and there is no clarity on when the rest will be repatriated.
02Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi not among those releasedIt was a moment that the family of 24-year-old Bipin Joshi had feared. The family from Nepal had hoped to see the name of Bipin, the only non-Israeli among the living hostages, released on Monday, but it was not to be. Last week, the family released a video showing Joshi in captivity, the only known footage of him since he was abducted Hamas, while expressing confidence that he could still be alive. Bipin had gone to Israel as a farming student less than a month before he was abducted Hamas on October 7, 2023.
03Donald Trump addresses Israel’s KnessetTrump, who made the Gaza ceasefire and the hostage release, addressed Israel’s Knesset on Monday.  Trump told Israel’s Prime Miner Benjamin Netanyahu  that “you’re not at war anymore Bibi” after pledging two vows – “never forget, and never again”. Trump also said Israel “has won all they can” and that it’s now time for peace “for the entire Middle East.” He also asked Israel’s president to issue a “pardon” to Netanyahu for any future corruption prosecutions.
04154 Palestinian prisoners arrive in EgyptAn Egyptian official says 154 Palestinian prisoners who were released and deported Israel arrived in Egypt at the Rafah crossing with Gaza.
The freed prisoners were to be sent to third countries as part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, said the official, who has direct knowledge of the deal’s implementation. The prisoners were among more than 1,900 Palestinians being freed Israel in exchange for Hamas’ release of its remaining hostages.
05Aid scale-up for Gaza has begun, say UN aid agenciesUN aid agencies reported significant positive developments in getting aid into Gaza.
“Our humanitarian scale-up in Gaza is well underway,” said UN humanitarian agency OCHA, which noted that it had secured Israeli approval for 190,000 tons of food, shelter items, medicine and other supplies to enter the Strip, 20,000 more than previously agreed.
For the first time since March, cooking gas has been allowed to enter the Strip. In addition, “more tents for displaced families, frozen meat, fresh fruit, flour and medicines also crossed into Gaza throughout the day on Sunday”, OCHA said.
Crucially, the aid agency reported that its workers and partners were now able to move more easily “in multiple areas” – a welcome development after constant access restrictions imposed the Israeli authorities.