Tel Aviv, Israel – October 14, 2025
Israel says it expects to receive the remaining 20 living captives held in Gaza in the early hours of Monday, marking a crucial step in the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian confirmed the development late Sunday, stating that all captives are expected to be released together and returned under the coordination of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
“In line with the agreement, we anticipate that all 20 living Israeli captives will be returned from Gaza in the early hours of Monday,” Bedrosian said.
As in previous exchanges during the two-year conflict, the captives will first be handed over to the Red Cross, which will transport them to a designated Israeli military base inside Gaza for preliminary medical evaluations. Once cleared, they will be moved into Israeli territory to reunite with their families.
Officials say that once Israel confirms all captives are safely within its borders, it will proceed with the agreed release of Palestinian prisoners in return, as part of the ceasefire terms negotiated through international mediation.
The exchange comes amid cautious optimism that the truce—brokered with support from regional and international actors—could lead to a broader de-escalation after years of hostilities.