All Surviving Captives Transferred To Red Cross Custody, Now In Israeli Hospitals, After Over Two Years in Hamas Captivity
Monday, October 13, 2025, 6:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,
TEL AVIV, ISR.-In a long-awaited breakthrough, the final 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been released and transferred to the custody of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) early Monday morning, according to Israeli and international officials.
The ICRC confirmed that the group safely handed over the released hostages to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet personnel at a designated crossing point on the Gaza border. Each individual underwent an initial medical and security screening before being airlifted and driven under heavy escort to hospitals in Tel Aviv, Be’er Sheva, and other cities for comprehensive care and evaluation.
An Israeli government spokesperson said the former captives, who had been held since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, are now in “stable condition” and receiving urgent medical attention for malnutrition, dehydration, and trauma-related symptoms. Mental health specialists and family support teams are standing by to assist with reintegration and recovery.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described the release as a “moment of national relief,” crediting the joint diplomatic efforts of U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators that led to a ceasefireagreement and final hostage exchange.
The latest exchange marks the end of the known living hostage list, with Israel confirming that all remaining captives are either deceased or unaccounted for. The move also raises cautious optimism that a longer-term truce could hold, at least temporarily, after nearly two years of intermittent conflict.
Officials expect family reunifications to begin later today after final health checks are completed. Hospitals across Israel have already prepared secure wards and counseling units to receive the freed hostages and their families.
Editor’s Note:
This report is based on verified information from The Guardian, CBSNews, and Associated Press live updates as of Monday, October 13, 2025. Details are subject to official confirmation from the Israeli government and the International Committee of the Red Cross as post-release evaluations continue.
“This is a developing story, and will be updated later today.”
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