Portuguese hostages held by Hamas set to return home with new ceasefire agreement
Lisbon, October 9, 2025 — The Israeli Government announced tonight that, following the signing of a ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States, all hostages held by Hamas — including six Portuguese citizens — will finally be released.
The announcement was made by the Embassy of Israel in Portugal, which expressed “deep hope that this marks the beginning of a time of healing for families and for the entire Israeli nation.”
The agreement concludes nearly two years of war, which began after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. The negotiations, carried out with direct mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump, also involved regional countries and broad international support.
According to the official statement, the agreement provides for the immediate release of the hostages, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the initiation of a political process to establish a local government in Gaza without Hamas.
In Portugal, the news was met with relief and emotion by the families of the abducted citizens. Portuguese diplomatic sources confirmed they are “in continuous contact with Israeli authorities and ready to welcome their compatriots as soon as the release operation is complete.”
“After two years of anguish and uncertainty, this agreement represents the end of a ordeal and the beginning of a healing process,” said a source close to the families, calling for discretion and respect during this sensitive moment.
The Israeli statement also notes that the announcement coincides with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, described in the Bible as “the time of our joy”—a symbol of hope and renewal after periods of hardship.