The World from PRX

Israelis celebrate release of hostages, world leaders meet to sign Gaza peace deal

Full Episode
50:34

Ariel Cunio, an Israeli hostage released from the Gaza Strip, waves at the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, Oct. 13, 2025.

Leo Correa/AP

Two years of grief and anger in Israel turned into euphoria today with the release of 20 living hostages who survived kidnapping on Oct. 7, 2023, and captivity in Gaza since then. Israel released some Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Meanwhile, more than 20 world leaders are meeting in Egypt to sign a peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump for ending the war in Gaza. Also, there are reports that Madagascar’s president has fled the country as a branch of the military backs the ongoing “Gen Z” protests. Plus, acclaimed deaf poet Raymond Antrobus and percussionist Evelyn Glennie release a new album together.

Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

In This Episode

As Israelis celebrate the release of hostages, questions loom
8:29
‘It’s peace in the Middle East’
4:40
Madagascar’s military backs ‘Gen Z’ protests. Nation’s president calls it a coup.
5:05
New Arctic route could make travel quicker and more environmentally friendly
2:51
How many jokes does it take to make Germany’s trains run on time?
Special Coverage
5:32
‘Poetry can be like a piece of music’
12:00
Ukrainian drones target Russia’s oil industry
7:26