By Admin 
There was a flood of emotions in Tel Aviv city of Israel on Monday (13 October 2025). After the release of 20 Israeli hostages by Hamas after two years of captivity in Gaza, an echo of flags, flowers and slogans of Welcome Home were heard in the city’s Hostage Square. People wrote on social media that it seems as if the whole of Israel has gathered in Tel Aviv today to welcome its citizens.
A huge board was put up on the city beach, on which Thank You was written in big letters. This board was created to be visible from the US aircraft Air Force One, in order to publicly thank President Donald Trump for his role in the Gaza ceasefire talks.
Air Force One flies over sign thanking President Trump on the beach of Tel Aviv! pic.twitter.com/6x0SMVpTUm
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) October 13, 2025
Hamas releases seven hostages, prepares to release 20 more
Hamas released 7 Israeli hostages on Monday (13 October 2025). This release is part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Under this agreement, Hamas has agreed to release a total of 20 Israeli hostages, in exchange for which Israel will release 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. No official information has been given so far about the identity and health condition of the released hostages.
The path to peace mediated by Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump announced on October 9 that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of prisoners. This agreement was reached after several days of negotiations in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Representatives of Israel, Hamas, Egypt and America were involved in these talks. According to sources, in this agreement the Trump administration laid special emphasis on the establishment of human corridor, safe release of hostages and providing aid to Gaza.
The conflict started from the incident of 7 October 2023
This ceasefire has come in the background of the conflict, which started with the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. That day, Hamas terrorists launched a massive attack on Israel, killing 1,219 people, most of whom were civilians. Hamas took 251 people hostage and took them to Gaza. After this, Israel launched a military campaign on Gaza, due to which thousands of Palestinians were killed and millions were displaced. Now this ceasefire has brought relief and hope for peace for both the sides.
An atmosphere of unity and relief in Tel Aviv
After the release of the hostages, people in cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa held candle-lit thanksgiving ceremonies. Many families held photographs of their loved ones, hugged each other in Hostage Square and shed tears of joy. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement saying that this agreement is the result of both humanitarian responsibility and diplomatic success. He expressed his gratitude to all those countries who cooperated in this process.
Main terms of ceasefire
According to this phase one agreement, Hamas will gradually release 20 Israeli hostages and Israel will release 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Both sides will maintain a ceasefire for 72 hours and humanitarian aid will be delivered to Gaza with the help of the United Nations and Egypt.
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