US President Donald Trump speaks to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Knesset in Tel Aviv on Monday (October 13). Photo: AP/PTI
'World needs more Trumps': Israel's standing ovation for US President
Hamas released seven hostages into the custody of the Red Cross , the first to be released as part of a breakthrough ceasefire after two years of war between Israel and Hamas in the devastated Gaza Strip
US President Donald Trump was greeted with a sustained standing ovation by Israeli lawmakers during his address to the Knesset in Jerusalem on Monday (October 13), following the release of 20 hostages as part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The parliament’s speaker, Amir Ohana, praised Trump as a “giant of Jewish history” and declared: “The world needs more Trumps.”
In his remarks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited Trump with strong support for Israel—including backing sovereignty over the Golan Heights—and thanked him for facilitating the hostage deal. The agreement also involves the release of Palestinian prisoners, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a partial Israeli withdrawal.
Earlier, Hamas released seven hostages into the custody of the Red Cross , the first to be released as part of a breakthrough ceasefire after two years of war between Israel and Hamas in the devastated Gaza Strip.
Also read | Israel, Hamas agree to ‘first phase’ of Gaza truce, hostage-prisoner release
There was no immediate information on their condition. Hamas has said 20 living hostages will be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross. Tens of thousands of Israelis were watching the transfers at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv.
Netanyahu declares victory
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory on Sunday as the nation awaits the return of hostages after two years.Also read | Netanyahu can’t win Gaza war by flexing military muscle; two-state policy only fix
“Together we achieved tremendous victories, victories that amazed the whole world... But at the same time I must tell you, the fight is not over,” Netanyahu said. “This is an emotional evening, an evening of tears, an evening of joy, because tomorrow our children will return to our borders,” he added, quoting a biblical verse. Follow below for Live updates:
Live Updates
- 13 Oct 2025 10:17 AM IST
Hamas publishes list of 20 living hostages it will release
Hamas’s military wing has published the names of 20 living hostages who are set to be released today, in a move similar to previous hostage releases. As per The Times of Israel, the list includes the same 20 hostages whose names had already been given to Israel earlier as part of the negotiations, and who were confirmed to be released as part of the deal covering living hostages. Not included in the group are the names of kidnapped soldier Tamir Nimrodi or Nepali national Bipin Joshi.
- 13 Oct 2025 9:24 AM IST
Israel to confer Trump with highest civilian honour
With US President Donald Trump set to arrive in Israel on Monday, Israeli President Isaac Hergoz said that he will present the country's highest civilian award to Trump.
As per Herzog, the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour will be presented to Trump for the US president's role in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and helping to end the war.
"Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home but has also laid the foundations for a new era in the Middle East built on security, cooperation, and genuine hope for a peaceful future," read the statement issued by Herzog's office.
“It will be a great honour for me to present him with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour,” he added further.
Israel's presidential award is presented to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the state of Israel or to humanity, says the office of the president.
- 13 Oct 2025 9:10 AM IST
Trump expected to land in Israel at 11:50 AM IST, to meet kin of hostages
White House affiliate Rapid Response said US President Donald Trump is expected to land in Israel at about 2:20 AM Eastern Time (11:50 AM IST on Sunday). According to the White House schedule, Trump will meet with families of the hostages and address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, during his visit.
- 13 Oct 2025 9:06 AM IST
26 hostages declared dead; international team to help recover missing
Of all taken captive, Israeli authorities have formally declared 26 hostages dead, based on forensics and intelligence, reported Reuters, adding that the fate of two others remains unknown.
Hamas has said that recovering the bodies of some deceased hostages may take time, as not all burial sites are known. A special international task force is being deployed to help locate them.
Among the deceased is an Israeli soldier who died in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war. The rest were part of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023, attack, which triggered the conflict.
Some hostages were found to have died before being taken captive, while others were killed either by their captors or during Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
- 13 Oct 2025 9:00 AM IST
Timing of Palestinian prisoner release not announced
Israel expects the release of around 20 living hostages on Monday, though the timing for freeing Palestinian prisoners has not been announced.
The prisoners include 250 serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis and 1,700 detained from Gaza during the war and held without charge. They are expected to be sent to the West Bank, Gaza, or into exile.
While Israel regards these prisoners as terrorists, many Palestinians see them as freedom fighters resisting Israeli occupation.
According to the Associated Press, Israel has reportedly warned Palestinians in the West Bank against celebrating the releases, as stated by a prisoner’s family and a Palestinian official familiar with the plans, who requested anonymity for fear of retribution.
- 13 Oct 2025 8:57 AM IST
Israel airs special live broadcasts ahead of hostages’ release
Major Israeli TV stations aired special overnight broadcasts ahead of the hostages’ release, as anticipation built across the country, reported AP. People began gathering near a large screen in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv before dawn, bracing for the historic moment.
