Summary

  • The Israeli military says the bodies of four more deceased hostages have been returned from Gaza

  • Formal identification of the hostages will now take place, the Israel Defense Forces says

  • It comes as Israel will reportedly not reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Wednesday and will reduce the flow of aid into the territory

  • Israeli media and Reuters news agency report the decision came after Hamas returned just four of 28 Israeli hostages' bodies on Monday

  • The IDF says it has identified the bodies of those four hostages - they are named as Guy Illouz, Bipin Joshi, Yossi Sharabi and Daniel Peretz

  • In Gaza, the Palestinian Civil Defence tells the BBC that seven people have been killed by Israeli fire in two separate incidents - Israel's military says it fired at people who had crossed the line where its troops have withdrawn to

  1. Red Cross heading to southern Gaza to collect hostages' bodies, IDF sayspublished at 15:11 BST 13 October
    Breaking

    The Red Cross is on its way into Gaza to collect the bodies of hostages being returned by Hamas, according to the Israeli military.

    In a statement, the IDF and Israeli intelligence agency Shin Bet say the Red Cross is heading to a meeting point in southern Gaza, where "several coffins of deceased abductees will be handed over to it".

    "The IDF is prepared to receive coffins of additional deceased abductees that will be transferred to the Red Cross later," the statement adds.

    The statement does not specify which of the deceased hostages' bodies the Red Cross will be collecting, and advises against speculation.

    Earlier, Hamas's military wing provided the names of four hostages whose bodies it said would be returned today.

  2. All living hostages released today now in Israeli hospitals - IDFpublished at 14:56 BST 13 October

    Avinatan OrImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Avinatan Or was released from Hamas captivity today

    More now from the Israel Defense Forces, which has just confirmed that all 20 living hostages returned by Hamas today have now been taken to Israeli hospitals.

    In a statement, the IDF says Matan Zangauker, Maxim Herkin, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Evyatar David, Eitan Horn, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Elkana Bohbot, and Rom Braslavski were taken to hospitals by helicopter "in the past few minutes".

    The IDF says the returned hostages have undergone initial medical assessments, and will now reunite with their families and receive continued medical care.

  3. Israel demanding Hamas 'uphold its end of the deal', says IDF spokespersonpublished at 14:50 BST 13 October

    Israel is demanding that Hamas "uphold its end of the deal", says Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin.

    "We have been informed that later today, approximately four fallen hostages will be returned. Even at this hour, efforts are being made at all levels to exert pressure for the continuation of the process to return the bodies of the fallen," he says.

    "We demand that Hamas uphold its part of the agreement" he says, and "will not rest until all return to their families and to burial in Israel."

    It follows confirmation from Hamas of the names of four hostages whose bodies it says will be returned to Israel today.

    For context: A copy of the ceasefire agreement published by Israeli media states the remains of all of the deceased hostages - believed to be up to 28 - should be handed over by 12:00 local time (10:00 BST) on Monday.

    But it also appears to acknowledge that Hamas and other Palestinian factions may not be able to locate all of them within that timeframe.

  4. Trump departs Israel for Egypt summitpublished at 14:27 BST 13 October
    Breaking

    Donald Trump has just been seen boarding Air Force One - his presidential plane - at Ben Gurion Airport, in Israel.

    He was bid goodbye by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The pair spoke for a few minutes on the tarmac, before Trump departed.

    The US president is now flying to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt for a peace summit.

    Trump gestures as he boards Air Force OneImage source, Reuters
  5. Hamas names four hostages whose bodies it says will be released todaypublished at 14:24 BST 13 October
    Breaking

    Hamas's military wing has just confirmed the names of four hostages whose bodies it says will be returned to Israel today.

    The names are:

    • Guy Illouz
    • Yossi Sharabi
    • Bipin Joshi
    • Daniel Peretz

    As a reminder: A copy of the ceasefire agreement published by Israeli media states the remains of all of the deceased hostages - believed to be up to 28 - should be handed over by 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on Monday.

    But it also appears to acknowledge that Hamas and other Palestinian factions may not be able to locate all of them within that timeframe.

  6. Freed detainees met by crowds in Gazapublished at 14:22 BST 13 October

    As we've just reported, we're now seeing images of freed Palestinian prisoners and detainees arriving in Gaza.

    Crowds have gathered outside Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, in the south of Gaza, to welcome them.

    People react at a building in Nasser hospital as they welcome freed Palestinian prisonersImage source, Reuters
    People gather at Nasser hospital as they welcome freed Palestinian prisoners released by IsraelImage source, Reuters
  7. Pictures show Palestinian detainees returning to Gazapublished at 14:16 BST 13 October

    We've been bringing you pictures throughout the morning of Palestinian detainees returning to Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank.

    We're now starting to get pictures from the Gaza Strip, where other released detainees are arriving.

    men smiling from a busImage source, Getty Images
    more smiling menImage source, Getty Images
  8. Celebrations in Hostages Square - but uncertainty, toopublished at 14:06 BST 13 October

    Alice Cuddy
    Reporting from Tel Aviv

    Man wearing a t-shirt picturing a tiger and scorpion smiles to camera
    Image caption,

    "I am pretty sceptical about the future… but today is just a moment of total happiness," says Michael

    Earlier in Hostages Square, I spoke to Harvey Betsalel from Toronto in Canada.

    He and his wife are in Israel for a family bar mitzvah and said they "feel that history is being made in front of us". Having all the hostages back will bring "a total feeling of relief, joy, happiness", he said.

    "I'm just so happy for every Jew in the world and every person here."

    Nearby, 30-year-old Pelet told me he is feeling overwhelmed.

    "I'm grateful for this moment," he said. "We still don't know what it will look like, the consequences of this agreement. We need both sides to respect it."

    Michael Kunitsyn, who has lived in Israel for eight years, told me that "it’s a great day" and a "moment for celebration".

    But he sounds a note of caution: "Today we celebrate - the day after tomorrow we need to fix everything."

  9. Excited, joyful, and anxious Palestinians welcome detainees homepublished at 14:00 BST 13 October

    Barbara Plett Usher
    Reporting from Ramallah

    This all happened very fast. Palestinians who thought they’d never see their sons and husbands and uncles walk out of jail were suddenly told they were coming home.

    They crowded forward as the buses arrived at a reception centre in Ramallah – excited and joyful, but also anxious because they’d been told their loved ones could be sent back to prison if they celebrated publicly.

    Israel doesn’t want any celebration over the release of what they regard as terrorists, or any credit given to Hamas.

    For Palestinians the prisoners are symbols of resistance – with their own accounts of harsh treatment.

    All of them were pale and gaunt, some needed help walking. A medic told the BBC some had injuries from beatings just before they were released.

    The scene in Ramallah, in the West Bank, earlier today as detainees were released. people embrace and crowds gather round a vehicleImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    The scene in Ramallah, in the West Bank, earlier today as detainees were released

  10. Palestinian detainees begin receiving medical care in Gaza, says Hamaspublished at 13:56 BST 13 October

    Released Palestinians are now receiving medical care and examinations in hospitals in Gaza, says the Hamas-run health ministry.

    As a reminder, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been released from Israeli detention today - some to the West Bank, and some into Gaza.

    Freed Palestinian prisoners look out of a bus in Khan Younis, Gaza, earlier todayImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Freed Palestinian prisoners look out of a bus in Khan Younis, Gaza, earlier today

  11. Israeli prison service says 1,968 Palestinian prisoners transferredpublished at 13:47 BST 13 October
    Breaking

    The Israeli prison service says it has transferred 1,968 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, as part of the ceasefire deal, from Israeli detention.

    They were released in two groups. One was transferred from Ofer prison to other parts of the occupied West Bank.

    The second group was transferred from Ketziot prison to Kerem Shalom, in southern Israel - one of the border crossings into Gaza.

    The prisoners were escorted by Israeli prison officers, assisted by police, it says in a statement.

  12. Trump interrupter calls for recognition of Palestinian statepublished at 13:43 BST 13 October

    Let's take you back now to the interruption to Trump's speech to the Knesset.

    Ayman Odeh, a member of the Israeli Knesset who made the interruption, says on social media: "They removed me from the plenum just because I raised the simplest demand, a demand that the entire international community agrees on: to recognize a Palestinian state.

    "To recognize this simple reality: there are two peoples here, and neither is going anywhere."

    Ayman Odeh in home office holding sign which says 'Recognize Palestine'. He wears shirt and suit jacket.Image source, X / Ayman Odeh
  13. Leaders gather in Sharm el-Sheikh - with Trump expected to join soonpublished at 13:40 BST 13 October

    Kier Starmer and Emmanuel Macron stand together in a hallway in EgyptImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are awaiting Donald Trump's arrival in Egypt

    As Donald Trump wraps up at the Knesset in Israel, just over 270 miles (430km) south, more than 20 world leaders are gathering in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh.

    Trump was supposed to join the summit hours earlier, but overran in Israel. Leaders including Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are present.

    When he arrives, Trump will lead the meeting alongside Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as the group aims finalises an agreement to end the war in Gaza.

    But as a reminder, Hamas is yet to agree on all parts of Trump's 20-point peace plan - even though the ceasefire and hostage release have come into effect.

    Mahmoud Abbas in a corridor with Emmanuel MacronImage source, EPA/Shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also in attendance

  14. Trump's hour-long speech to Israel's parliament, recappedpublished at 13:33 BST 13 October

    Trump stands as the Knesset claps during his addressImage source, Reuters

    President Trump has just finished addressing Israel's parliament, the Knesset, in a speech lasting over an hour.

    Much of it was spent praising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US relationship with Israel, as "Bibi" - Netanyahu's nickname - echoed around the hall.

    There was a brief interruption, when an opposition member held up a piece of paper that said “Recognise Palestine”. But mostly, it was Trump in full swing - mixing high-end politics with anecdotes and asides:

    • Trump told Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "you're not at war anymore Bibi" after pledging two vows - "never forget, and never again" - referring to the attacks on 7 October
    • The US president recalled phone calls with Netanyahu where the Israeli PM would ask him for more weapons. "So many that Israel became strong and powerful... that's what lead to peace"
    • Trump said Israel "has won all they can" and that it's now time for peace "for the entire Middle East"
    • Some of the longest applause came when he said Hamas would be disarmed, US State Department correspondent Tom Bateman writes - but the details on this are yet to be agreed
    • He also asked Israel's president to issue a "pardon" to Netanyahu for any future corruption prosecutions
    • Thanking the Knesset to another standing ovation, Trump concluded with: "I love Israel, and I'm with you all the way"
  15. Trump ends speech with rallying cry to US-Israel relationshippublished at 13:18 BST 13 October

    Trump rounds off his speech, saying that "from the very first day that modern Israel was founded, we have stood together through thick and thin, setbacks, through victory and defeat, through glory and heartache.

    "We have built industries together, we have made discoveries together, we have confronted evil together, and we have waged war together, and perhaps most beautifully of all, we have made peace together.

    "And this week, against all odds, we have done the impossible, and brought our hostages home."

    The US president finishes his speech to rapturous applause, saying: "I love Israel, I'm with you all the way."

    Trump applauded in KnessetImage source, Reuters
  16. Trump asks Israeli president to grant Netanyahu a 'pardon'published at 13:18 BST 13 October

    Donald Trump (L) points at Israeli President Isaac Herzog as Knesset speaker Amir Ohana (C) laughsImage source, Reuters

    Now back to the Knesset - Trump is talking about the friendship between the US and Israel, reminding parliament members that he moved the US embassy to Jerusalem in 2018.

    Trump then asks Israeli President Isaac Herzog to give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "a pardon" to recognise his leadership during the war in Gaza.

    "This has been one of the greatest wartime presidents [he says while pointing at Prime Minister Netanyahu]. And, cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about them, all right. Enough controversy for the day, right?" he says.

    For context, Netanyahu is on trial for corruption. Prosecutors accuse him of accepting expensive gifts - including cigars and pink champagne - in exchange for advancing the personal interests of a Hollywood producer as well as of exchanging regulatory favours with media owners

  17. In pictures: Smiles of freed hostages as they return to Israelpublished at 13:10 BST 13 October

    Donald Trump is still speaking at the moment - and we'll keep bringing you his key lines.

    Meanwhile, more freed hostages from Israel are reuniting with their loved ones.

    Here are some pictures released by the Israeli military.

    Two men in striped sports tops with israeli flags draped around their shouldersImage source, Israel Defense Forces
    Image caption,

    Gali and Ziv Berman on their way to hospital after being released by Hamas as part of the first group of hostages freed this morning - the 28-year-old twins were abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the 7 October attacks. They are wearing Maccabi Tel Aviv football shirts

    A man in green clothes stands next to a female IDF soldierImage source, Israel Defense Forces
    Image caption,

    Avinatan Or (L), 32, is met by representatives from the IDF a little earlier

    A group of people stare at a screen, they hold hands and many are cryingImage source, Israel Defense Forces
    Image caption,

    Friends and families of the hostages have been watching broadcasts of their return to Israel

  18. Countries should spend money on schools and medicine instead of making weapons - Trumppublished at 13:07 BST 13 October

    Trump is now talking about how Middle East nations should stop making enemies and work together to create "opportunity and prosperity".

    He says that "instead of making weapons", countries in the region should focus on spending money on schools, medicine, industry and artificial intelligence.

    "Even to Iran, whose regime has inflicted so much death on the Middle East, the hand of friendship and co-operation is open," he says.

  19. Trump says Hamas would be disarmed - but this is yet to be agreedpublished at 13:02 BST 13 October

    Tom Bateman
    US State Department correspondent, travelling with the president

    U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to the KnessetImage source, Reuters

    Some of the longest applause for Trump’s speech just came when he said that virtually the whole region had endorsed a plan that Gaza would be demilitarised and Hamas would be disarmed.

    These elements of Trump’s 20-point plan have, however, yet to be negotiated and agreed by the sides and Hamas has appeared to reject them.

    Trump then said Israel had won all that could be won “by force of arms” - another clear nod to his message that the war is over.

  20. Trump: The world is loving Israel againpublished at 12:59 BST 13 October

    After joking about being late at the summit in Egypt this afternoon, Trump says he’ll be meeting with several nations there.

    The summit, which will be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, will discuss a long-term peace deal between Israel and Hamas. About 20 world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will attend.

    "Together we've shown peace is not just a hope that we can dream about, it's a reality we can build upon day by day," Trump says.

    The US president says he’s hoping more countries in the region will be signing up to the Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states.

    He tells Netanyahu that "the world is loving Israel again".