The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 738 - Emotional split screen as 20 hostages return home, Trump visits
19 snips
Oct 13, 2025 Emanuel Fabian, Military correspondent for The Times of Israel, shares on-the-ground insights about the emotional return of 20 hostages, including prominent figures like Avi Nathan Orr. He discusses the two-stage release process and the unusual video calls orchestrated by Hamas. The podcast also covers Trump's recent speech declaring the Gaza War over, alongside a somber reflection on Israeli casualties and the ordeal faced by captive soldiers. The atmosphere is charged with hope and concern as families eagerly await news of their loved ones.
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Two-Stage Hostage Release
- All 20 living hostages were released in two stages, with the first seven then 13 more later in the morning.
- Emanuel Fabian reports the releases followed an IDF timetable and proceeded faster because Hamas did not hold formal ceremonies.
FaceTime Replaced Handover Ceremonies
- Hamas substituted video FaceTime calls between hostages and families instead of public handover ceremonies.
- Fabian says the calls were used as propaganda, with captors urging the footage to be broadcast.
Avinathan Orr’s Return
- The episode highlights Avinathan Orr, famous from a viral Oct. 7 video where his girlfriend was taken from his arms.
- Fabian reports Orr was visibly thin on return and we lack details about his two-year captivity until medical debriefings.