On October 8, 2025, just one day after the second-year anniversary of October 7, a deal was signed to secure the release of the hostages still held in Hamas’ captivity. Their freedom, expected in the coming weekend, marks the end of a long and painful chapter in Israeli history, also serving as a historic testament for the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.
The sudden announcement was met with relief and hope across Israel and millions around the world. After two years of tired advocacy by broken families and global intervention, the deal is being seen as a breakthrough.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people and took over 250 people hostage in Gaza. For months following the initial attack, many deals for the exchange of hostages were made; however, most of those deals were not followed through on. Families of the hostages organized weekly demonstrations and marches, in hopes of pressuring the Israeli government to prioritize negotiation over military action. Their work was shown to the world, symbolizing the unity that the people had during this time.
The agreement, settled with Egypt, Qatar, Israel, Turkey, and the United States, outlines the release of the hostages beginning this weekend, along with safety and security measures for Israel and the Gazans.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” President Donald Trump said in a post on his X account. “This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, and all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACE MAKERS!”
The news of the release left Israel in celebration. In Tel Aviv, families who stood outside day after day for months erupted in tears and embraced after hearing the announcement. Those released in earlier deals prayed for the day they would see their friends, sons, and brothers again, and now that day is possible.
The timing of the deal has a deep meaning. The memory of that day remains engraved in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel, and though not all will get to hug their families and friends again, this release of hostages could allow some closure, knowing that there won’t be anyone left behind in Gaza.
As Israel prepares for the hostages’ return, there is one thing that is clear to everyone: though political agreements are what caused this to end, it is the people’s resilience and their stories that they’ve shared that drive history forward. The next few days will test whether this moment is another one of those failed deals or the beginning of something greater. Until the last hostage is home, no one can give up hope.
