The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has entered its third day, with both sides expected to begin a major hostage and prisoner exchange today (October 13). Israeli officials said the first group will include 20 surviving hostages, while Israel also prepares to receive the bodies of 28 deceased captives. Under the agreement, Hamas must complete the release of all remaining hostages by noon. Israel’s hostage coordinator announced that a special task force has been established to help locate and recover the remains of victims still unaccounted for.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on the same day, delivering an address to the Knesset before traveling to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend an international summit on ending the Gaza war. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said Trump plans to personally welcome the freed hostages. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is also expected to attend the summit. Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv, anxiously awaiting the release of the captives.
During the truce, thousands of Palestinian residents have begun returning to northern Gaza, though rescue workers have warned of the widespread presence of unexploded ordnance and other dangers. Roughly 1.5 million displaced people are in urgent need of temporary shelter, with an estimated 300,000 tents required.
Meanwhile, hundreds of aid trucks carrying humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza from Egypt, passing through the Rafah, Kerem Shalom, and Ovakia crossings in coordinated deliveries. While international actors hope this ceasefire and aid effort will bring temporary relief to civilians, experts caution that lasting peace remains uncertain, and the situation on the ground continues to be highly fragile.