UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday expressed relief at the release of hostages from Hamas' captivity.

Starmer called for the immediate implementation of US President Donald Trump's peace plan in Gaza.
"I share the deep feeling of relief as Avinatan Or and other hostages are released today. But this is also a stark reminder of the treatment that he has been subject to at the hands of Hamas, and the atrocities that shook the world two years ago. Having met his family, I know that no one can truly understand the torture and agony they suffered for two drawn out years and my thoughts are with them. My thoughts are also with the family of Yossi Sharabi, who are still waiting for news," his statement read.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, as the special representative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attended the Gaza Peace Summit at Sharm El-Sheikh, co-hosted by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "MoS @KVSinghMPGonda, as special representative of PM @narendramodi, attended the Gaza Peace Summit at Sharm el-Sheikh co-hosted by Presidents @realDonaldTrump and @AlsisiOfficial."
"India welcomes the signing of the landmark Peace Agreement and hopes that this will lead to lasting peace in the region," he added. 

The Egyptian president told a summit of world leaders Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump's Mideast proposal represents the "last chance" for peace in the region and reiterated his call for a two-state solution, saying Palestinians have the right to an independent state.

The summit in Egypt's Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh was aimed at supporting the ceasefire reached in Gaza, ending the Israel-Hamas war and developing a long-term vision for governing and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory.

US President Donald Trump on Monday praised India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi without naming him, saying "India is a great country with a good friend of mine at the top".

Trump leaves Egypt after Gaza summit

"The document is going to spell out rules and regulations and lots of other things," Trump said before signing, repeating twice that "it's going to hold up."

US President Donald Trump and regional leaders signed a declaration Monday meant to cement a ceasefire in Gaza, hours after Israel and Hamas exchanged hostages and prisoners.

Trump made a lightning visit to Israel, where he praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an address to parliament, before flying to Egypt for a Gaza summit where he and the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey signed the declaration as guarantors to the Gaza deal.

"This is a tremendous day for the world, it's a tremendous day for the Middle East," Trump said as more than two dozen world leaders sat down to talk in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Trump meets Palestinian president Abbas at Egypt summit

The Israeli prison service said Monday it had freed nearly 2,000 mostly Palestinian detainees as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal. 

It said in a statement that "1,968 terrorists were transferred from several prisons across the country to the Ofer and Ktziot prisons". 

Trump lands in Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt or summit on Gaza's future after visiting Israel to celebrate ceasefire deal with Hamas

US President Donald Trump on Monday told the Israeli parliament that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial in three separate corruption cases, should be pardoned.

Netanyahu and his wife Sara are accused in one case of accepting more than $260,000 worth of luxury goods such as cigars, jewellery and champagne from billionaires in exchange for political favours.

"Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that?" Trump joked, declaring his ally Netanyahu's one of Israel's greatest wartime leaders.

"Hey, I have an idea, Mr President," Trump said, addressing his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog, "Why don't you give him a pardon?" 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the deal finalising the release of 20 Israeli hostages after over two years in Hamas captivity.

"Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We support President Trump's sincere efforts to bring peace to the region," he wrote on X.

We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We support President Trump’s sincere…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 13, 2025

Concluding his Knesset speech, US President Donald Trump said a new legacy will be built that "people of the region will be proud of". He said that new bonds of "friendship, cooperation and commerce" will be forged.

Donald Trump praised his son-in-law Jared Kushner for helping to broker the ceasefire. Joking about Kushner's love for Israel, he said that his daughter Ivanka Trump "converted".

He moved on to Marco Rubio, who he said would go down in history as America's greatest Secretary of State.

Trump then praised Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, while also talking at length about the many achievements of General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

US President Donald Trump argued that if he had not destroyed Iran's three major nuclear sites, the Gaza hostage deal would not have been possible. "We took a big cloud off of the Middle East and off of Israel. The last thing they want to do is start digging holes again in mountains that just got blown up. They are not doing that. They want to survive," he said.

Ayman Odeh, one of the two lawmakers who was removed from the Parliamentary chamber for interrupting Trump's speech, wrote on social media that the speeches in the Knesset would not absolve Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "of the crimes against humanity committed in Gaza."

Before the session, Odeh posted on X, "The amount of hypocrisy in the plenum is unbearable. To crown Netanyahu through flattery the likes of which has never been seen, through an orchestrated group, does not absolve him and his government of the crimes against humanity committed in Gaza, nor of the responsibility for the blood of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian victims and thousands of Israeli victims. But only because of the ceasefire and the overall deal am I here. Only ending the occupation, and only recognising the State of Palestine alongside Israel, will bring justice, peace, and security to all."

US President Donald Trump criticised his two Democratic predecessors - Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

He accused the Biden administration of failing to build on the Abraham Accords and blamed Obama for signing the Iran nuclear deal.

.@POTUS: "Instead of making weapons and missiles, the wealth of this region should flow to schools and medicine, industry... it could have happened a long time ago, but it was strangled and set back... by the administrations of Barack Obama and then Joe Biden." pic.twitter.com/mnNYQYoJO3

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 13, 2025

Donald Trump said that "the dagger of Hezbollah" aimed at Israel has been "totally shattered".

"My administration is actively supporting the new president of Lebanon and his mission to permanently disarm Hezbollah's brigades. He's doing very well," he said.

US President Donald Trump claimed that he has ended "3,000 years" of war by brokering the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. "People are dancing in the streets worldwide and not just in Israel. This long and difficult war has now ended," he said.

Israeli lawmakers were in for a surprise when US President Donald Trump introduced the idea of a peace agreement with Iran. "You know what would be great, if we could make a peace deal with them. Would you be happy with that? Wouldn't it be nice? Because I think they want to. I think they're tired," he said, to a lukewarm response from lawmakers in the chamber.

During his speech, Israeli parliament speaker Amir Ohana mentioned an incident at the United Nations General Assembly where Trump complained about receiving only a "bad teleprompter and bad escalator" from the UN. 

Donald Trump's speech was interrupted by a left-wing lawmaker, who moved towards the podium holding a "Recognize Palestine" sign. He was swiftly removed from the chamber. Resuming his speech, Trump said, "That was very efficient!"

Whoa, Knesset member protests Trump's Israel speech #Israel #Palestinian #hostages pic.twitter.com/4Yz1Ssb5mD

— YardCouch (@grammarenglis) October 13, 2025

President Trump described special envoy Steve Witkoff as "Henry Kissinger who doesn't leak."

Kissinger, the national security adviser and then secretary of state under Nixon and Ford, was a brilliant negotiator.

Donald Trump called Benjamin Netanyahu his "partner", and remarked in a tongue-in-cheek manner: "He's not the easiest guy to deal with, but that's what makes him great."

US President Donald Trump expressed his appreciation for Arab nations and the Muslim leaders "that came together to press Hamas, to set the hostages free".

He went on to say, "It's an incredible triumph for Israel and the world to have all of these nations working together as partners in peace."

Thanking "almighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" for the return of Israeli hostages, he added that this is "not only the end of a war, this is the end of the age of terror and death."

US President Donald Trump said 20 Israeli hostages returned home after "two harrowing years, darkness and captivity". "This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East," he said.

Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Donald Trump's envoys - Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner - for the ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. "I've never seen anyone move the world so quickly, so decisively, so resolutely as our friend Donald Trump," he said.

He added that enemies now understand "how powerful and just how determined Israel is". "They understand that attacking Israel on October 7 was a catastrophic mistake," Netanyahu said.

Benjamin Netanyahu accused several governments of believing "Hamas' propaganda".

"More and more governments succumbed to anti-Semitic mobs in their own countries. They just turned on Israel. They called for us to surrender to Hamas demands and leave Gaza immediately," he said in the Knesset.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu listed Donald Trump's actions that benefited Israel, from brokering the Abraham Accords to moving the US embassy to Jerusalem in 2018.

He thanked Trump for recognising Israel's "sovereignty" over the occupied Golan Heights and the attacks in June on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel "did what it had to do", speaking of the country's attacks on Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria and Iran. "But the price of this, the price of these victories, has been heavy," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu narrated an American-Israeli veteran Ari Spitz's story, who lost both legs and a hand. "Ari, you are the spirit of Joshua, the spirit of David, the spirit of the Maccabees," the prime minister said. "Ari, you are the spirit of Israel."

MUST WATCH!
“I got my life back thanks to you”
President @realDonaldTrump listens as each hostage family tells their story ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h5n1kxQUnn

— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) October 13, 2025

“I want to sincerely thank you” ❤️
President @realDonaldTrump meets with hostage families and listens to their stories pic.twitter.com/SNQCpTVUU4

— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) October 13, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was Donald Trump's "pivotal leadership" in putting forward the ceasefire agreement that got the "backing of almost the entire world". He said that Trump and he are committed to bringing peace in the region and will achieve it together.

Netanyahu spoke of the ceasefire deal as "a proposal that brings all our hostages home, a proposal that ends the war by achieving all our objectives".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said US President Donald Trump is the "greatest friend" Israel has had in the White House. "No American president has ever done more for Israel," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gifts US President Donald Trump a 'golden peace dove''.

🇺🇸🕊️🇮🇱 Israeli PM Netanyahu presents Trump with a golden dove, honoring his role in bringing the hostages home. A symbol of peace and diplomacy. pic.twitter.com/CL7L7jZQ71

— WAR (@warsurveillance) October 13, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gifts US President Donald Trump a 'golden peace dove''.

🇺🇸🕊️🇮🇱 Israeli PM Netanyahu presents Trump with a golden dove, honoring his role in bringing the hostages home. A symbol of peace and diplomacy. pic.twitter.com/CL7L7jZQ71

— WAR (@warsurveillance) October 13, 2025

Trump Gets Standing Ovation At Israeli Parliament After All Hostages Freed

Hours after Israeli hostages were released, US President Donald Trump received roaring applause and a standing ovation at the Israeli parliament.

President Donald J. Trump signs the guest book at the Knesset 🇺🇸🇮🇱
"This is my great honor - A great and beautiful day. A new beginning." pic.twitter.com/JZrhTm0JRU

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 13, 2025

Welcome to the Knesset @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, welcome to Jerusalem 🇮🇱🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/SvayoejkAt

— Amir Ohana - אמיר אוחנה (@AmirOhana) October 13, 2025

US President Donald Trump proceeds through The Knesset with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana.

.@POTUS proceeds through The Knesset with @IsraeliPM Netanyahu and Speaker of the Knesset @AmirOhana — as news breaks that all 20 living hostages have been freed. Praise God! pic.twitter.com/WKlUkF4qC8

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 13, 2025

Newly released photos show Israeli hostage Alon Ohel reuniting with IDF soldiers inside the Gaza Strip shortly after his release from Hamas captivity. The images capture Ohel speaking with troops who escorted him to safety before his return to Israel.

Newly released images capture the moment Israeli hostage Alon Ohel was reunited with IDF troops inside the Gaza Strip, shortly after being freed from Hamas captivity. The photos show Ohel speaking with soldiers who escorted him to safety ahead of his return to Israel. pic.twitter.com/buzYs9PgvA

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) October 13, 2025

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas will attend the summit on Gaza that will take place in Egypt later Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

Abbas, who leads the Palestinian Authority, "will be present at this summit," Macron said. "It's a very good sign... It's a recognition of the role the Palestinian Authority has to play as a legitimate entity," he said.

The summit, co-chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egypt's Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, will see more than 20 leaders gather to mark the Gaza ceasefire and the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees.

Abbas is a rival of Hamas, whose attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 sparked the war in Gaza. Neither Israel nor Hamas will be represented at the summit.

Israel Defense Forces released video footage capturing the moment Israeli hostages Matan Angrest, brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal crossed back into Israel after being freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Israeli IDF has released video footage capturing the moment Israeli hostages Matan Angrest, brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal crossed back into Israel after being freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/eBUlhLxObv

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) October 13, 2025

Welcome to Israel, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump! 🇮🇱🇺🇸
The Israeli people welcome you with so much love and so much gratitude!
Thank you for all you have done to bring our hostages home! Thank you for your commitment to building a better future of peace in our region! God bless… pic.twitter.com/T4jAUI8Qx7

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) October 13, 2025

Hamas handed over all 20 surviving Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives in Gaza on Monday, Israel's public broadcaster reported.

The group was released in two batches, with a second group of 13 hostages transferred in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, the broadcaster said. 

🟡 Operation “Returning Home”
13 returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2025

The European Union will Wednesday restart a civilian mission to monitor the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in support of a ceasefire deal, the bloc's top diplomat said Monday.

"The EU stands ready to do its part," Kaja Kallas posted on X after Hamas released a first group of Israeli hostages as part of the US-brokered agreement. "This mission can play an important role in supporting the ceasefire," she said.

Kallas also praised US President Donald Trump on the Gaza peace deal and said, "Today marks a rare moment of hope in the Middle East. The release of hostages is a major success for diplomacy and a crucial milestone toward peace. President Trump made this breakthrough possible. Securing peace in Gaza will be extraordinarily complex."

Today marks a rare moment of hope in the Middle East.
The release of hostages is a major success for diplomacy and a crucial milestone toward peace. President Trump made this breakthrough possible.
Securing peace in Gaza will be extraordinarily complex. (1/2)

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) October 13, 2025

China said on Monday it "welcomes" the release of hostages by Hamas as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal.

Asked about the release in a regular press conference, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China hailed the developments while calling for stability in the region. 

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) medical teams are accompanying the seven released hostages, who will undergo an initial medical evaluation, and will reunite with their families

The IDF is also prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.

🟡 Operation “Returning Home”
Personnel from the IDF Manpower Directorate and IDF medical teams are accompanying Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest, who will undergo an initial medical evaluation, and will reunite with…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2025

US President Donald Trump departs Ben Gurion Airport and begins the 40 minute drive to Jerusalem, where he will meet with hostage families and deliver remarks to a special session of the Knesset.

.@POTUS departs Ben Gurion Airport and begins the ~40 minute drive to Jerusalem, where he'll meet with hostage families and deliver remarks to a special session of the Knesset. pic.twitter.com/hUqI0GiCQ5

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 13, 2025

After arriving in Israel, US President Donald Trump held a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inside the US presidential state car, popularly known as "The Beast."

.@POTUS and @IsraeliPM speak in The Beast pic.twitter.com/OKeVtGQAqr

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 13, 2025

US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday as the exchange of hostages continues. He was welcomed by the top brass of Israel, and upon entry into the Israeli airspace, the Air Control thanked Trump, saying that his visit carries a deep meaning for the people.

Air Force One is welcomed to Israeli airspace by Ben Gurion Airport control tower:
"Welcome to the state of Israel, Mr. President. Your visit carries deep meaning for people in this time. Thank you for your friendship and unbreakable bond between our nations. God bless America… pic.twitter.com/CBjD0ez7gf

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 13, 2025

Israeli hostages who have not yet been released made video calls from Gaza with their families on Monday, according to the main association of hostage relatives as well as Hamas sources.

The Hostages and Families Forum shared videos and photos of the relatives of Matan Zangauker, Nimrod Cohen and Ariel and David Cunio — hostages who, according to Israeli authorities, have not yet been released — making calls. 

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday welcomed the release of seven hostages by Hamas and said that Israel is awaiting the release of all remaining captives.

"With thanks to God we welcome our loved ones. We are waiting for everyone -- every last one," Herzog posted on X after the Israeli army confirmed it had received the first group of seven hostages released from Gaza.  

“And the children shall return to their own borders.”
With thanks to God we welcome our loved ones home.
We are waiting for everyone — every last one. 🎗

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) October 13, 2025

A Red Cross convoy is on its way to pick up a second group of Israeli hostages to be freed by Hamas as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal Monday, the Israeli military said.

An army statement said the handover would take place at "an additional meeting point in the southern Gaza Strip, where several hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross."

🟡 According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to an additional meeting point in southern Gaza, where several hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, with President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal, welcome US President Donald Trump upon his arrival at Ben-Gurion International Airport.

LIVE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, with President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal, welcome U.S. President @realDonaldTrump upon his arrival at Ben-Gurion International Airport. https://t.co/QI6cMMP21I

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 13, 2025

President Donald Trump is set to land in Israel today to celebrate the US-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, an agreement that he declared had effectively ended the war and opened the door to building a durable peace in the Middle East.

With families overjoyed at the impending reunions and Palestinians eager for a surge of humanitarian assistance, Trump thinks there is a narrow window to reshape the region and reset long-fraught relations between Israel and its Arab neighbours.

The Israeli military took custody on Monday of seven living hostages freed by Hamas from captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Seven returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit urged the public to act responsibly and with sensitivity, to respect the privacy of the returning hostages, and to rely solely on official information.

After 738 days in captivity in Gaza, Matan, Gali, Ziv, Alon, Eitan, Omri and Guy are coming home. 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/gklAwKhG1u

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2025

Thousands of Israelis gathered at Tel Aviv's "Hostages Square," a plaza that has served as a focal point for rallies calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and as a meeting place for their families and supporters throughout the two-year conflict. Crowds carried posters and waved Israeli flags, expressing solidarity and hope for the safe return of the hostages.

Hostages Square receiving the announcement regarding the first group of hostages. pic.twitter.com/5NNci0fmaU

— Bring Them Home Now (@bringhomenow) October 13, 2025

A 'Thank You' message for US President Donald Trump was spotted at Tel Aviv Beach, written in front of a branch of the US Embassy ahead of his visit to Israel. 

A beautiful sight to see on Tel Aviv beach in front of US Embassy Branch Office. We are waiting on arrival of @realDonaldTrump at airport. 🙏 https://t.co/aBv2ViyKGo

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) October 13, 2025

Egypt will award US President Donald Trump the country's highest civilian honor, the office of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said.

Trump will be given The Order of the Nile for his efforts to stop the war in Gaza, according to a statement from the Egyptian leader's office.

The award will recognise Trump's "distinguished contributions to supporting peace efforts, defusing conflicts, and most recently, his pivotal role in ending the war in Gaza," it added.

Hamas releases 1st batch of hostages
Blake Sifton shares more details pic.twitter.com/fzOWbIyO9Q

— NDTV (@ndtv) October 13, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister's Office on Monday shared a personal message written by PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, for the returning hostages. 

The PMO shared on X, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara added a personal message for the returning hostages to the welcome kits prepared for them by the Prime Minister's Office Hostages Authority and include clothing and personal equipment, a laptop computer, a cellphone and a tablet."

The messages say:
“On behalf of the entire people of Israel, welcome back!
We have been waiting for you. We embrace you.
Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu” pic.twitter.com/50pQhRbvJR

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 13, 2025

The International Committee of the Red Cross said on Monday it had begun "a multi-phase operation" to oversee the release of hostages and prisoners as part of the Israel-Hamas war ceasefire.

'Multi-Phase Operation' In Gaza To Oversee Hostage, Prisoner Releases Begin: Red Crosshttps://t.co/qhyU3EvBWj pic.twitter.com/XNBR4QkcSv

— NDTV (@ndtv) October 13, 2025

The International Committee of the Red Cross was moving on Monday toward a site to collect several hostages held by Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said.

🟡 According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to a meeting point in northern Gaza where several hostages will be transferred into their custody.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 13, 2025

The Israeli military said others would be released later. It comes as Hamas released a list of 20 living hostages it said would be released and of over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners it said Israel would release.

Palestinian group Hamas published today the names of the 20 Israeli hostages to be released under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

The names included Bar Abraham Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Angrest, Matan Zangauker, Eitan Horn, Eitan Abraham Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, Ariel Cunio and David Cunio.

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh has arrived in the Egyptian capital of Cairo to represent India at the Gaza Peace Summit at Sharm El-Sheikh.

Sharing a post on X, the Union Minister wrote, "Arrived in the historic city of Cairo as special representative of Prime Minister @narendramodi to attend the Gaza Peace Summit at Sharm el-Sheikh."

Arrived in the historic city of Cairo as special representative of Prime Minister @narendramodi to attend the Gaza Peace Summit at Sharm el-Sheikh. pic.twitter.com/DnN0yGJcEs

— Kirti Vardhan Singh (@KVSinghMPGonda) October 12, 2025

US President Donald Trump questioned whether former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair would serve on a new "Board of Peace" that is intended to oversee the governance of Gaza, amid ongoing criticisms of Blair for his role in the Iraq War.

"I've always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he's an acceptable choice to everybody," Trump said, without naming specific leaders who could be weighing in on his choice of Blair.

Trump made his remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight to Israel.

US President Donald Trump departed for Israel on Sunday, calling the trip a "very special time" as he celebrated a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. 

Before boarding his flight, Trump told reporters, "This is going to be a very special time. Everybody's cheering at one time. That's never happened before. It's an honor to be involved and we're going to have an amazing time."

.@POTUS ahead of his trip to Israel: "This is going to be a very special time... Everybody's cheering at one time. That's never happened before... It's an honor to be involved — and we're going to have an amazing time." pic.twitter.com/lYhG94lxNM

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 12, 2025

Iran has that neither its President Masoud Pezeshkian nor foreign minister Abbas Araghchi will attend the Gaza summit in Egypt after confirming an invitation from the host country.

Early Monday, Araghchi posted on X, "Neither President Pezeshkian nor I can engage with counterparts who have attacked the Iranian People and continue to threaten and sanction us," in reference to the United States.

Iran is grateful for President El-Sisi's invitation to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit. While favoring diplomatic engagement, neither President Pezeshkian nor I can engage with counterparts who have attacked the Iranian People and continue to threaten and sanction us.
Having…

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) October 12, 2025

State news agency IRNA had reported that Egypt invited Iran on Sunday evening to take part in Monday's summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Israeli authorities have formally declared 26 hostages dead, based on forensic evidence and intelligence reports. The fates of two others, including Nepalese student Bipin Joshi, remain unclear.

Hamas has said that recovering the bodies of some of the deceased could take time, as not all burial sites are known. 

Among the dead is one Israeli soldier killed during the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, while the rest were among the 251 hostages abducted in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

Among the hostages are two Israeli conscript soldiers, Matan Angrest, 22, and Nimrod Cohen, 20, who were captured by Hamas fighters during the October 7 battles.

Four foreigners are also among the 48 hostages. Three of them have been pronounced dead in absentia: a Tanzanian student and two Thai workers. The fate of Nepalese student Bipin Joshi is still unknown.

Hamas on Monday is to release dozens of hostages held in Gaza for two years, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Of the 48 hostages still in Gaza, 20 are believed alive.

Most of those being freed were abducted from the Nova Music Festival near Kibbutz Reim. They include Evyatar David, 24, seen in an August Hamas video appearing frail and digging what he said was his grave; pianist Alon Ohel, 24; and Avinatan Or, 32.

Seven hostages were taken from their homes near the Gaza border, including twins Gali and Ziv Berman, 28, and brothers Ariel (28) and David Cunio (35). David was seized with his wife Sharon and two daughters, who were freed during a November 2023 truce.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday announced the launch of Operation "Returning Home," aimed at bringing back hostages held by Hamas.

US Vice President JD Vance expressed his pride about the fact that President Donald Trump's Gaza peace deal was accepted and said that the Israeli hostages will be free thanks to the US.

In a post on X, he said, "It's an amazing thing...We should be proud of this team, we should be proud of our country, because these hostages are going to live their lives thanks to what the United States of America did."

Vice President Vance on the historic peace deal in Gaza:
"It's an amazing thing...We should be proud of this team, we should be proud of our country, because these hostages are going to live their lives thanks to what the United States of America did." 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jATHalRfzj

— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) October 12, 2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is ready to receive its hostages "immediately." 

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has just spoken with Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch. Prime Minister Netanyahu: 'Israel is prepared and ready to immediately receive all of our hostages,'" read a post from his office on X.

In another post, the Israeli PMO quoting Netanyahu, wrote, "Citizens of Israel, my brothers and sisters, this is an emotional evening, an evening of tears, an evening of joy. Because tomorrow, children will return to their border."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening:
"Citizens of Israel, my brothers and sisters, this is an emotional evening, an evening of tears, an evening of joy.
Because tomorrow, children will return to their border. pic.twitter.com/LXyaOojO3v

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 12, 2025

Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, described the operation as a major achievement following sustained military and diplomatic efforts.

"The military pressure we applied over the past two years, together with complementary diplomatic measures, constitute a victory over Hamas," Zamir said.

He added that Israel "will continue to act in order to shape a security reality that ensures the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to the State of Israel and its civilians."