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Historic day: Last hostages freed from Gaza after 738 days!
On October 13, 2025, 20 living hostages were released from the Gaza Strip after 738 days as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate.
Historic day: Last hostages freed from Gaza after 738 days!
A moving day for many: On October 13, 2025, with the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages, a phase of hope that had been a long time coming returned. These hostages were held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for over 738 days. Today in Tel Aviv, thousands celebrated the return of their loved ones in “Hostages Square” as the first bodies of hostages were handed over, only adding to the grief and pain of the loss. In return, in an agreement with Hamas, Palestinians were released from prison in 1968. Reactions were met with mixed emotions: relief at the return of the living, but also deep dismay at the news of the dead hostages.
On October 7, 2023, Israel's nightmare began when Hamas killed around 1,200 people and abducted more than 250 people. This unprecedented attack led to heavy fighting, and in the years that followed, the conflict gripped the entire country. A look at the numbers shows that the Middle East conflict, which has been raging since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, continues to escalate tirelessly: In Israel, around 1,200 people died by October 2025, while the number of deaths in the Gaza Strip rose to over 67,183, plus 984 deaths in the West Bank. The Israel Defense Forces also suffered heavy casualties, with 466 soldiers dying in the ground offensive in Gaza.
Political developments and diplomacy
Today's news came as US President Donald Trump attended a "summit for peace" in Egypt. German and British heads of state were also present, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump called on the Palestinians to focus on stability and economic development, while Merz called today historic, reaffirming hope for peace in the region. Netanyahu, on the other hand, canceled his participation in the summit at short notice, which was seen as a diplomatic initiative by Turkey.
The European Union also made demands and wants a place in the planned “Peace Council” to oversee a transitional government for the Gaza Strip. Lebanon's President Aoun also called for new negotiations with Israel and describes the current situation as sensitive and explosive.
Humanity in the foreground
Particular attention is paid to the hostage families, who are relieved by the return of their loved ones after all the torment and uncertainty. Nevertheless, they unequivocally demanded the return of all dead hostages and mourned what was irrevocably lost. The health examinations of the released hostages, carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Israel, are a sign of hope for healing and a return to normality for these people. In this regard, Federal President Steinmeier expressed the urgent need for further peace negotiations, while Hamas has already announced that it will continue the fight against Israel.
The developments surrounding the Middle East conflict and the humanitarian crises that are inextricably linked to it show once again the complexity and tragedy of this region. The path to resolution seems difficult, but as the returning hostages show, there is always a glimmer of hope.