Israel rejoices as 7 hostages released from Gaza

News of the release of the first seven hostages has been greeted with wild cheering in Israel.

Tens of thousands are watching the transfers at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square.

WATCH: The moment it was announced in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square that the hostages had been returned to the IDF.

Hostage Square is reportedly being renamed Freedom Square pic.twitter.com/IJ5ckYk2Hp

— Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) October 13, 2025

The seven hostages were reportedly released in Gaza City in the north of the Gaza Strip.

The Arabic-language news network Al Jazeera has said the second group of living hostages is to be freed at 10 a.m. (O700 GMT) in southern Gaza.

Hostages have crossed into Israel — military

The seven hostages freed on Monday from the Gaza Strip have now entered Israel, the Israeli military says.

We’ve been waiting 738 days to say this:
Welcome home Alon, Eitan, Guy, Ziv, Gali, Omri, and Matan! pic.twitter.com/od8BbrMueb

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 13, 2025

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has hailed the release, saying "Welcome home" to the hostages.