On a busy Monday, President Donald Trump made a notable appearance at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. Just after his remarks, he headed off to Egypt for a peace summit that would kick off the first steps of a ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., between Israel and Hamas.
This day marked a pivotal moment as the remaining 20 living hostages, taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, returned to Israel as part of a reciprocal agreement involving Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Amidst the ongoing tension, some Palestinians were starting to find their way back home to ghettos in the Gaza Strip. They are now contending with the heavy toll of destruction caused by the extended conflict.
Current Updates
October 13, 7:53 PM
Biden Thanks Trump for Securing Ceasefire
Former President Joe Biden publicly praised Trump for guiding the ceasefire agreement to completion. On social media, he mentioned, “It wasn’t a simple journey to reach this deal.” He revealed efforts from his side aimed at facilitating the return of hostages, supporting Palestinian civilians, and ultimately fiction an end to the combat. “I commend President Trump and his team for their diligent work in bringing this renegotiated ceasefire to a successful conclusion,” Biden expressed, sharing his hopes for lasting peace throughout the Middle East, fostered equally for Israelis and Palestinians.
– Reporting by ABC News’ Molly Nagle
October 13, 5:05 PM
Four Deceased Hostages Transported for Identification
In a concerning update, four deceased hostages have been taken to Israel’s National Center of Forensic Medicine as reported by the Israeli Police. The police’s identification officers are readying to assist with identifications in collaboration with medical and forensic organizations.
– Reporting by ABC News’ Jordana Miller
October 13, 1:48 PM
Egypt Honors Trump for Peace Butleries
In recognition of noteworthy contributions to peacebuilding, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi awarded President Trump the Nile Collar, the country’s highest civilian decoration. During the Monday summit, El-Sisi noted that this award is typically given to those offering exceptional services in harmony to humanity.
October 13, 1:36 PM
Emotional Reunion: Released Hostage Meets His Daughter
In a heartwarming scene, Omri Miran’s return saw him joyfully reuniting with his daughters, having spent over two years apart from them. His older child, Roni, is now four, and his little daughter, Alma, is just two.
October 13, 1:25 PM
Remains of Four Deceased Hostages Handed to IDF
The IDF confirmed that four coffins currently hold the remains of deceased hostages and are en route to Israel. Prior to their entry into Israeli grounds, a military honoring protocol will be performed in Gaza.
“In consolation of the deceased, soldiers will lay Israeli flags on the coffins, salute, and honor their memory with prayers from Psalms,” the IDF spokeswoman stated. Upon arrival, identifications will commence at the National Institute of Forensic Science.
October 13, 1:06 PM
Trump Declares ‘War in Gaza’ Concluded
During statements made at the peace discussions in Egypt, President Trump declared that “the war in Gaza is officially over,” while acknowledging that the initial phase of the settlement is the first step toward overall peace.
“We achieved what many deemed to be impossible. Finally, peace is in the Middle East,” he resonated with enthusiasm among the gathered leaders, stating that now all efforts shift toward reconstruction plans, hinting that the rebuilding will follow smoothly.
“We are presently in the core of implementing our agreed 20-point plan that stands as a solid groundwork for building a hopeful and resilient future,” Trump announced and reassured progress into phase two has commenced.
October 13, 12:59 PM
Red Cross Handles Additional Coffins on Their Way to IDF
The IDF transmission indicates that the Red Cross is overseeing two additional coffins of deceased hostages already traversing towards the IDF. This brings the current total of confirmed bodies being dispatched to four, highlighting the urgency of completing the agreements from the ceasefire arrangement.
The Israeli Defense Minister termed the lag in the return of bodies, apart from the hostages, as a failed commitment and flagged any delays as a grave breach of contract.
October 13, 12:35 PM
Historic Signing of the Peace Agreement
On the important day of the summit, top dignitaries including Trump, along with Egyptian, Turkish leaders and the Qatari Emir all affixed their signatures to the Gaza ceasefire accord amid applause.
“After 3,000 years, isn’t it unbelievable we reached this point? Plus it is indeed going to sustain,” he assured everyone present as he appreciated the representations of wealth and influence gathered to attempt changing the dire course of events in Gaza.
– ABC News’ Fritz Farrow
October 13, 12:17 PM
Five Hostages Recovering at Beilinson Hospital
Five out of the 20 living hostages, newly returned, are hospitalizing at Beilinson Hospital under extensive evaluation, according to statements from their medical chief, Dr. Lena Koren. She articulated that these examinations involve a multicatered medical regimen focusing on treatment.
“To ensure personalized attention, we organized specialized staff for each of them, including physician, psychologists, dietitians among others,” said Dr. Koren.
– ABC News’ Jordana Miller
October 13, 12:00 PM
Avinatan Or Joins His Ex-Hostage Girlfriend
Avinatan Or, yet another living hostage released Monday, was reunited emotionally with his girlfriend, former hostage Noa Argamani, minutes after being freed. Their first encounter enveloped in affectionate simplicity with heartfelt gestures since Argamani had similarly endured captivity but made it out safely about a year ago.
