Overview

• Israel’s military said seven hostages were freed and returned in the first group, with reports indicating the remaining 13 living captives are expected to be released later today.
• The International Committee of the Red Cross received seven hostages in Gaza as the designated intermediary for transfers and verification.
• A ceasefire took effect on October 10 under the Trump administration’s Gaza peace plan, setting the conditions for the phased exchanges.
• Israel is reported to be preparing reciprocal releases, including about 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and roughly 1,700 Gaza residents detained after the 2023 raid.
• Hamas abducted about 250 people in October 2023 and 48 remained, including bodies, until this phase; President Trump departed for a Middle East visit and said the war is over.