Post by : Monika
In a major development that brings new hope to many families, Hamas has published the names of 20 Israeli hostages who will be released as part of a ceasefire deal agreed with Israel. The announcement came on October 13, 2025, marking one of the most significant steps in efforts to end the two-year-long conflict that began with the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.
This announcement comes just one day after the return of another group of hostages who were freed in the earlier stage of the truce. The release list is part of a detailed agreement that includes prisoner exchanges, temporary peace, and humanitarian support for people suffering in Gaza.
The Names on the List
The list of 20 Israeli hostages includes both men and women, mostly civilians who were kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attack. The names released by Hamas are:
According to Hamas, all 20 are alive and will be released during the first phase of the truce. Israeli authorities have confirmed receiving the list and are preparing for the transfer with help from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Families Waiting in Hope
For families across Israel, this announcement has brought relief and tears of hope. Many had been waiting for nearly two years without knowing if their loved ones were alive. In Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square,” people gathered to light candles and pray after hearing the news.
“I finally saw my brother’s name,” said Eden Ohana, the sister of one of the hostages listed. “We waited for this day for so long. I just want to hold him again.”
Another family, the Cunios, who have two members — Ariel and David — on the list, said the news gave them “a reason to breathe again.”
Posters and yellow ribbons, symbols of the hostage campaign, filled the streets once more. Though joy filled the air, many people said they would not fully celebrate until they saw the hostages back home safely.
A Step Toward Peace, but the Road Is Long
This release is part of a multi-stage ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has played a key diplomatic role in finalizing the terms, pushing both sides to agree after months of tense talks.
The truce includes:
Officials from both sides confirmed that this phase of the deal is expected to take place over the next few days. The ICRC will handle the transfer and ensure that medical teams are available to check the hostages immediately after their release.
However, even with this progress, challenges remain. The truce is fragile, and both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of small violations. Leaders from the U.S. and the United Nations have called for calm and full cooperation to prevent the deal from collapsing.
The War That Changed Everything
The story of these hostages goes back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a massive surprise attack on Israel. Thousands of rockets were fired, and gunmen stormed Israeli communities near the Gaza border. Around 1,200 people were killed, and more than 250 were kidnapped, including women, children, and the elderly.
In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza. For nearly two years, heavy fighting destroyed homes, hospitals, and schools. Thousands of Palestinians were killed, and millions were left without food or shelter. The conflict also caused deep divisions in Israeli society, with many accusing the government of not doing enough to protect its citizens or rescue the hostages sooner.
Reactions from Israel and the World
The Israeli government said it welcomed the publication of the names as a positive sign that Hamas is honoring the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a brief statement, “We are ready to bring our people home. Every name on this list is a victory for Israel.”
However, his government continues to face criticism. Many Israelis blame Netanyahu for the security failures that allowed the October 7 attack to happen. Some citizens also feel that political infighting delayed the hostage talks for too long.
International leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, praised the progress. “This is a step toward peace and toward saving innocent lives,” Biden said. The European Union and United Nations also issued statements welcoming the development and urging both sides to continue working toward a lasting ceasefire.
Qatar and Egypt, who acted as mediators, said they would keep supporting the process until every hostage is released and all prisoners are home.
Gaza’s Situation Remains Dire
While Israel prepares to welcome its citizens back, the situation inside Gaza remains desperate. The region is facing a humanitarian crisis. Most of its buildings are damaged, food and clean water are scarce, and hospitals are struggling to treat the wounded.
Humanitarian groups are calling for an extended ceasefire to allow more aid deliveries. According to the United Nations, more than 80% of Gaza’s population has been displaced.
For the hostages who were held underground or in damaged buildings, returning to normal life will take time. Doctors and mental health professionals in Israel are preparing to help them recover physically and emotionally. Many are expected to undergo months of therapy to overcome trauma and rebuild their lives.
Emotional Reactions Across Israel
As the news spread, crowds in several Israeli cities cheered, cried, and hugged one another. At Jerusalem’s Western Wall, people gathered to pray for the safe return of the hostages.
In Tel Aviv, candles burned through the night at Hostages Square, where large banners displayed the names of those still missing. Some families, whose loved ones were not on the list, expressed sadness but said they were still hopeful that the next round of releases would include their relatives.
“We celebrate today for others,” said Lior Berman, whose cousin Gali is among the 20 to be freed. “Tomorrow, we will keep fighting for those still left behind.”
What Happens Next
The release of these 20 hostages will be the first major test of the ceasefire’s success. If all goes as planned, Israel will then begin releasing Palestinian prisoners according to the agreed schedule.
After this first phase, negotiators will move on to broader talks, which include long-term peace measures, reconstruction of Gaza, and guarantees to prevent future attacks.
Security experts believe that this hostage release could be the first real step toward ending one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts in recent memory. Still, both sides remain cautious. One wrong move, they say, could bring back fighting within days.
A Moment of Cautious Hope
For now, Israel is holding on to cautious optimism. The list of 20 names represents more than just individuals — it symbolizes a chance for healing and a small step toward peace after years of pain and fear.
As one Israeli mother put it, “These names are not just words on paper. They are lives. They are stories. And they are finally coming home.”
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