First Hostages Exchanged as Trump Heads to Israel

The first seven Israeli hostages held by Hamas have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, marking the beginning of a long-awaited prisoner and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas.

The ICRC confirmed that its teams received the hostages at three separate handover points in the Gaza Strip before transferring them to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). From there, they will be taken to a special facility in Re’im, then airlifted to Sheba, Ichilov, and Beilinson hospitals, where they will undergo medical checks and reunite with their families.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent a handwritten message to each returning hostage: “We waited for you, we embrace you”

Who are the hostages being freed

Hamas has released the names of the 20 Israeli hostages expected to be freed, believed to all be alive:

lkana Bohbot, Matan Angrest, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel, Evyatar Davud, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, and twins Gali and Ziv Berman. They also include Eitan Mor, Segev Kalfon, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Bar Kupershtein, Omri Miran, and brothers David Cunio and Ariel Cunio. Israeli soldiers Nimrod Cohen and Matan Zangauker are also on the list.

The next exchange is expected to take place at 10 a.m., when Hamas is due to release 13 additional hostages, according to the agreed timetable.

The Red Cross and complex logistics

In a statement, the International Committee of the Red Cross described the ongoing operations as “extremely complex,” involving detailed security and logistical coordination to minimize risk.

The ICRC is also managing the transfer of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention centers to Gaza and the West Bank, and has confirmed it will facilitate the repatriation of human remains as part of the process.

Palestinian prisoners on the move

According to officials involved in the operation, 1,966 Palestinian detainees scheduled for release on Monday have already boarded transport buses.
Of these, 250 will be released in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and other countries, while 1,716 will be transferred to Nasser Hospital in Gaza.

People react at “Hostages Square” as they await the return of Israeli hostages, who have been held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, as part of a prisoner-hostage swap and a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

People react at “Hostages Square” as they await the return of Israeli hostages, who have been held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, as part of a prisoner-hostage swap and a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

In Israel, thousands of people — relatives and friends of the hostages — have gathered in anticipation, with scenes of celebration and deep emotion broadcast live on national television. After two years in captivity, many families are waiting anxiously to see their loved ones again.

Trump en route to Israel

As the delicate handovers continue, U.S. President Donald Trump is en route to Israel, with his plane expected to land at Ben Gurion Airport shortly after 9:00 a.m.

A drone view shows a depiction of U.S. President Donald Trump and the words “Thank You”, on the day Israeli hostages, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, are expected to be released as part of a U.S.-brokered hostages-prisoners swap and a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, near the U.S. Consulate in Tel Aviv, Israel October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg

Before departing, Trump declared that the “war is over”, adding that “everyone is eager to live this moment.” Traveling with him are Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Air Force General Dan Kane, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Upon arrival, Trump will be welcomed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Sara Netanyahu.

Israel to honor Trump with Medal of Honor

Although Trump did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize he had hoped for, Israel will award him its Presidential Medal of Honor, in recognition of his role in mediating the ceasefire agreement that enabled the hostage release.

President Isaac Herzog will present the medal to Trump during a ceremony at the Knesset on Monday, praising his “exceptional contribution to the State of Israel and humanity.”

Today’s schedule in Israel

• 8:00 a.m. – First handover of hostages between Hamas and the Red Cross
• 9:20 a.m. – Arrival of President Trump at Ben Gurion Airport
• 10:00 a.m. – Second phase of hostage handovers
• 10:15 a.m. – Meeting between Netanyahu and Trump at the Knesset
• 10:45 a.m. – Joint meeting with hostage families
• 11:00 a.m. – Addresses to the Knesset by Trump, Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and opposition leader Yair Lapid
• 1:00 p.m. – Farewell ceremony for Trump at Ben Gurion Airport