WHO ARE THE FREED HOSTAGES?

The IDF confirmed the release on early Monday between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. local time, according to reports. The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross before being transferred to the Israeli military, to be brought to the Re’im base in southern Israel.

“Matan, you’re coming home!” one hostage’s mother said when speaking on the phone with her son Matan Zangauker after the first transfer. “The war is over! I love you, I’m waiting for you. Thank God, the war is over!”

Thousands flooded to Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where a livestream of the hostages was carried out. The square has been a site for protests since Oct. 7, 2023. On Monday, thousands celebrated the release of the final living hostages taken during Hamas’s attack more than two years ago.

World leaders celebrated the exchange as well.

“I share in the joy of the families and the joy of the people of Israel, following the recent transfer of seven of the hostages into the hands of the Red Cross. We only recently met with their parents,” French President Emmanuel Macron said after the initial release of seven hostages. “Their release, alongside the expected release this morning of 13 additional hostages, brings with it renewed hope for peace — for Israel, for Gaza, and for the entire region. France will take part in all stages of the plan led by the president of the United States, Donald Trump, alongside the Arab partners that France has rallied for this endeavor. But for now — let the joy fill the heart.”

Palestinian prisoners were also returned on Monday morning. Buses with the prisoners arrived in Ramallah in the West Bank to supporters carrying Palestinian flags.

Meanwhile, upon his arrival, Trump received an enthusiastic greeting from Israelis. A billboard expressed gratitude to the president for his efforts in negotiating the hostage release and ceasefire deal. Others were seen cheering on a video posted to social media: “Thank you, Trump!” 

Trump said, “The love in the streets has just been incredible,” after arriving at the Knesset, Israel’s parliamentary building. “It’s just been a great day.”

The president also celebrated the release of all the hostages and acknowledged their courage and bravery during their captivity.

“We’re so happy for them,” Trump said. “They’re going to be happy, and they’re going to have a great life.”

“They’ve been very brave,” he added.

Trump brought with him many U.S. officials who were part of the peacemaking process, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.