Hamas began releasing the first group of 6 to 8 Israeli hostages from captivity between 4:06 AM and 4:35 AM UTC on October 13th, 2025, with Red Cross convoys moving to designated handover points. President Donald Trump, en route to Israel, declared the Gaza deal might be his biggest accomplishment, according to Axios. Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostages' Square overnight ahead of the scheduled swap. Preparations are underway at the Re'em base to receive the returning hostages, who will be given reception kits that include a personal note from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu. The note reads: "On behalf of all the people of Israel, welcome back! We waited for you, hugging you. Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu." Hamas published a list of 20 living hostages designated for the first release, all of whom Israel believed to be alive. The official Red Cross confirmed their convoys are moving to the location of the Israeli captives, with reports indicating communication between Hamas and the Red Cross for the release. The IDF has completed preparations for the mission to collect the abducted, involving a special unit with armored and fire cladding to mitigate potential traps. This unit will enter intense areas beyond the yellow line in an armored convoy, where Red Cross representatives will hand over the hostages to IDF forces. An initial identification examination will occur, with suspicions that some bodies may have tracking or sabotage means. The armored caravan will proceed to an absorption center for initial medical examinations before the hostages meet their families. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed hope for the freedom of a Colombian-Israeli hostage, Elkana Bohbot, wishing for his reunion with his wife and son and a reception in Colombia. President Trump is scheduled to address the Knesset and meet former hostages in Israel after landing shortly after 9 AM local time. He is also expected to proceed to Egypt for a summit on Gaza. Hats were prepared in the Knesset in honor of Trump's visit. The first batch of hostages is expected to include between 6 to 8 individuals, according to Israeli Channel 12 via Al-Arabiya Breaking. Families were instructed to arrive at the Re'im base by 7:30 AM for the reunification process. Red Cross buses were observed heading to their headquarters in Deir al-Bala as Hamas had not yet set an exact handover location. Air Force helicopters reached the absorption center in Beer Sheva, with reports of Hamas contacting the Red Cross regarding the release.
