Joy in Israel as Gaza hostages released

Vatican News / October 13, 2025 / 0

The final 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have returned to Israel after more than two years in captivity.

By Nathan Morley

The final 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have returned to Israel after more than two years in captivity.

The hostages were abducted during Hamas’ 2023, attacks.

One of them, Eitan Mor, was reunited with his family in a moment broadcast live on Israeli television.

Hamas has not released the remains of up to 28 hostages believed to be dead. A group representing hostage families said four bodies were expected to be returned Monday.

In exchange, Israel began releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners and more than 1,700 detainees.

The first groups arrived in Ramallah and Gaza under Red Cross supervision.

Earlier, President Donald Trump, who helped broker the cease-fire, addressed Israel’s parliament.

Now, Mr. Trump is traveling to Egypt for a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The summit is expected to draw leaders from more than 20 countries, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.

Talks will focus on ending hostilities in Gaza and advancing regional peace efforts.

A cease-fire between Israel and Hamas took effect Friday after three days of negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States.

Gaza’s health ministry said more than 67,000 people have died during two years of Israeli military operations. Officials also reported widespread famine across the territory.

Pope hails glimmers of hope for peace in Holy Land and prays for Ukraine

Following the Mass for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, Pope Leo XIV turns his thoughts and prayers to the suffering people of the Holy Land, of Ukraine, and of Peru, where political turmoil has brought instability to the nation.

By Francesca Merlo

At the conclusion of the Mass for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV turned his thoughts to those suffering the consequences of conflict, political instability, and other forms of injustice around the world.

Peace in the Holy Land

His thoughts and prayers, first, turned to the Holy Land, and especially to the human cost of the violence. “Two years of conflict have left death and destruction everywhere,” the Pope said. “Especially in the hearts of those who have brutally lost their children, their parents, their friends – everything.”

Assuring those affected that the Church stands beside them, Pope Leo reminded them of God’s unwavering presence, even in the darkest of moments and in doing so quoted: “Dilexi te – I have loved you.”

These words of the Pope’s followed a message of hope in which he encouraged the recent agreement between Israel and Hamas. Pope Leo urged all parties involved to continue, with courage, along the path toward “a just, lasting peace” that honours the legitimate aspirations of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.

Pope Leo prayed that humanity might rediscover the ability to see the other “not as an enemy, but as a brother,” capable of forgiveness and worthy of reconciliation.

Peace in Ukraine

Then turning his thoughts to Ukraine, Pope Leo addressed the new waves of violence and destruction that have struck cities and civilian infrastructure, killing many civilians, including children, and depriving families of basic necessities like electricity and heating.

“My heart is united with the suffering of the population,” said the Pope, before renewing his appeals, once again, for an end to the violence and for dialogue to prevail.

Political turmoil in Peru

Pope Leo XIV also expressed his closeness to the people of Peru, who are facing a period of political transition.

In recent months, tensions have risen over leadership changes and calls for reform.

The Pope offered prayers for national unity, saying, “I pray that Peru may continue on the path of reconciliation, dialogue, and national unity.” His words come as many Peruvians seek stability and a renewed commitment to democratic governance through peaceful means.