What to know as Israel and Hamas exchange hostages and prisoners and Trump visits the Middle East World Oct 13, 2025 12:11 PM EDT

In a critical day for the Middle East, Hamas released the 20 living Israeli hostages it still held and Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners under a breakthrough Gaza ceasefire deal.

U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration brokered the deal, made a whirlwind visit to the region, first to Israel where he addressed the parliament to repeated applause. He landed Monday afternoon in Egypt for the “Summit of Peace” where world leaders are to discuss the ceasefire plan.

LIVE UPDATES: Hamas frees living hostages, Israel releases prisoners as Trump visits Middle East

More ramped-up aid was being readied for Gaza , much of which is in ruin

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