Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

All 20 living hostages were released in two stages this morning. Fabian speaks about their releases and their status. We hear about some of the more well-known faces among them and how they are faring today.

Shortly before releasing them, the Hamas terror group on Monday morning orchestrated video calls between some of the living hostages and their families, who were anxiously awaiting their return.

As we recorded just ahead of the Simhat Torah holiday in Israel, US President Donald Trump had just finished a long and colorful speech to the Knesset, in which, among other statements, he firmly announced the end of the Gaza War. Fabian summarizes Israel's losses and wounded in the war.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Hamas stages video calls between hostages, families in lieu of handover ceremonies

‘You hero’: Emotional videos show returned hostages reuniting with their families

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves.

IMAGE: People hold Israeli flags in celebration after the arrival of freed hostages at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, Israel, following their release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, October 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

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