Hamas began releasing the first group of Israeli hostages from Gaza between 4:06 AM and 5:05 AM UTC on October 13th, 2025, with Red Cross convoys moving to designated handover points in Khan Yunis and northern Gaza. The initial release is expected to include six named hostages: Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, and Alon Ohel, with a second group anticipated approximately one hour later. Israeli military helicopters are prepared to transport the returning hostages to an absorption center near Re'im for initial medical and psychological evaluations before they are reunited with their families. According to the IDF, the Red Cross is en route to the handover locations, with some reports indicating Red Cross vehicles were seen in Khan Yunis and heading to their headquarters in Deir al-Bala as an exact handover site had not yet been finalized. Hamas operatives have reportedly arrived at a handover point in northern Gaza. The IDF has completed preparations for the mission to collect the abducted, involving a special unit with armored vehicles to mitigate potential traps, as stated by Yoav Zeiton. Freed hostages will undergo initial identification examinations, with suspicions of tracking or sabotage devices on their bodies, before proceeding to the Re'im base. Preparations are underway at the Re'im 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, expressing "On behalf of all the people of Israel, welcome back! We waited for you, hugging you." Families of the hostages have been informed about who will be released in the first and second batches. President Donald Trump, en route to Israel, has 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. The Gaza Ministry of Interior and National Security announced a general amnesty for members of local gangs not involved in killings, allowing them to surrender within one week to settle their legal and security status. This move is part of broader efforts to restore order and stability in Gaza following the implementation of the ceasefire. 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. Hundreds gathered for a prayer for the safe release of hostages at the Nova Festival site in Kibbutz Be'eri. President Trump is scheduled to address the Knesset and meet former hostages in Israel shortly after 9 AM local time. He is also expected to proceed to Egypt for a summit on Gaza. A list of 20 living hostages designated for the first release has been published by Hamas, all of whom Israel believed to be alive. This exchange is part of a broader deal that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
