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Release of Israeli hostages sparks jubilation

Craig Crowther
October 13, 2025

After two years in Gaza, Israeli hostages are reuniting with their families. Hamas released the 20 surviving captives as part of a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump. He was in Israel for the occasion, where he hailed a historic dawn of a new Middle East.

https://p.dw.com/p/51v6U

After over two years in captivity, the remaining living Israeli hostages were released from Gaza and reunited with their families, sparking emotional scenes across Israel. Red Cross vans transported them to hospitals, while thousands gathered on Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square to celebrate. US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel, declaring "a new Middle East" in a speech to the Knesset. He now heads to Egypt for talks with regional leaders on lasting peace.

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