Minute-By-Minute: The Full Timeline of the Hostage Return and Trump’s Blitz Visit

The long wait ended today as all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages returned home after 738 days in Hamas captivity. The emotional homecoming was intertwined with a lightning-fast, highly significant visit by US President Donald Trump, who landed in Israel to address the Knesset and meet with officials.

The Return Timeline

The day’s events unfolded rapidly, marked by cautious optimism, military preparedness, and international diplomacy.

Time (Approx.)Event Description

5:08 AM Initial reports suggested the release of the 20 living hostages would occur in two waves, starting at 8:00 AM from the Netzarim area.

5:48 AM Families of the hostages due for release began making their way to the Re'im military base, the initial reception point.

6:15 AM President Trump’s Air Force One was scheduled to land at 9:48 AM; the President, before take-off, announced that the war in Gaza was over and the agreement had widespread support.

6:24 AM President Isaac Herzog announced he would award Trump the “President’s Medal,” Israel’s highest civilian honour, for his role in the deal and ending the war.

7:05 AM Hamas released the list of 20 living hostages to be freed: Bar Kupershtein, Eyal David, Yosef Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalphon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Harkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Tsangauker, David Cunio, Eitan Horn, Matan Engrest, Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Breslavsky, and Ariel Cunio.

7:10 AM Hamas signaled to the Red Cross for the coordination of the first rendezvous point.

7:30 AM The first wave was speculated to include Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Engrest, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Alon Ohel.

7:44 AM The Red Cross was confirmed to be on its way to the first handover point in the Northern Gaza Strip.

7:55 AM Reports confirmed seven hostages would be handed over, all of whom were able to stand on their own.

8:50 AM The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed receiving information that seven hostages were transferred to the Red Cross and were making their way to the Israeli forces inside the Strip.

8:59 AM The first seven hostages, Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Engrest, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Alon Ohel, were transferred to IDF forces.

9:33 AM The first seven released hostages arrived on Israeli soil.

9:43 AM President Trump landed in Israel for his four−hour whirlwind visit, which included a meeting with hostage families and a speech in the Knesset.

10:45 AM The remaining 13 living hostages were transferred to IDF forces.

11:15 AM President Trump, alongside PM Netanyahu, addressed reporters, reiterating that "the war ended" and expressing joy for the releases.

11:44 AM The 13 second-wave hostages were confirmed to be in the hands of the IDF and making their way to Israeli territory.

12:38 PM The 13 second-wave returnees arrived at the initial reception point in the Gaza envelope area.

1:05 PM The Prime Minister's Office announced Netanyahu would not attend the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh due to the imminent start of the holiday.

Afternoon The return of deceased hostages, accompanied by a military ceremony inside Gaza, is expected.