The last 20 living hostages held in Gaza were released on Monday, prompting elation and relief throughout Israel.

Crowds in Gaza, meanwhile, celebrated the release of more than 1,700 Palestinian detainees freed as part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

“This is a historic dawn of a new Middle East,” US President Donald Trump told Israeli lawmakers, having earlier projected confidence that the deal would hold and that the war in Gaza was over.

The freed hostages tearfully reunited with their families in hospitals across Israel, while released Palestinian prisoners embraced relatives in the West Bank and detainees arrived in buses to large crowds in Gaza.

Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye.

Swans float on the River Thames in Windsor, England, on Friday, October 10.
Swans float on the River Thames in Windsor, England, on Friday, October 10.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras stretches before Game 5 of the National League Division Series on Saturday, October 11. The Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs to advance to the National League Championship Series.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras stretches before Game 5 of the National League Division Series on Saturday, October 11. The Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs to advance to the National League Championship Series.
Morry Gash/AP
People gather outside of the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, to greet Palestinian detainees who had been freed by Israel on Monday, October 13.
People gather outside of the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, to greet Palestinian detainees who had been freed by Israel on Monday, October 13.
Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
People cover their faces as tear gas is deployed by US Border Patrol agents in Chicago on Tuesday, October 14. Agents pursued and crashed into a vehicle as part of an immigration enforcement operation on Tuesday, leading to an angry response from community residents and the deployment of tear gas in Chicago’s far southeast side. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F14%2Fus%2Fchicago-ice-protesters-crash">The tense standoff</a> exemplifies tensions in Chicago over immigration enforcement as the Trump administration is trying to move National Guard troops into the Windy City.
People cover their faces as tear gas is deployed by US Border Patrol agents in Chicago on Tuesday, October 14. Agents pursued and crashed into a vehicle as part of an immigration enforcement operation on Tuesday, leading to an angry response from community residents and the deployment of tear gas in Chicago’s far southeast side. The tense standoff exemplifies tensions in Chicago over immigration enforcement as the Trump administration is trying to move National Guard troops into the Windy City.
Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times/Redux
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins moderates a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F15%2Fpolitics%2Fsanders-aoc-takeaways-cnn-town-hall">CNN town hall</a> with US Sen. Bernie Sanders and US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday, October 15. The two lawmakers fielded questions from Collins and a live studio audience that was comprised of Democrats, Republicans, independents and those who have been directly impacted by the <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Ftrump-government-shutdown-news-10-16-25">federal government shutdown</a>.
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins moderates a CNN town hall with US Sen. Bernie Sanders and US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday, October 15. The two lawmakers fielded questions from Collins and a live studio audience that was comprised of Democrats, Republicans, independents and those who have been directly impacted by the federal government shutdown.
Eric Lee for CNN
Damaged vehicles sit in mud after flooding in Poza Rica, Mexico, on Sunday, October 12. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F14%2Famericas%2Flandslides-flooding-cut-off-mexico-communities-intl-latam">Dozens of people have died in central and eastern Mexico</a> because of landslides and flooding caused by torrential rains, the government confirmed.
Damaged vehicles sit in mud after flooding in Poza Rica, Mexico, on Sunday, October 12. Dozens of people have died in central and eastern Mexico because of landslides and flooding caused by torrential rains, the government confirmed.
Felix Marquez/AP
The Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch, in white, fights with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after the Chiefs’ win on Sunday, October 12. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F13%2Fsport%2Ffootball-nfl-week-6-sunday-review-intl">Branch apologized for his actions</a> and said that he reacted the way he did because Smith-Schuster had hit him in the back late in the game, which he thought was illegal. The NFL suspended Branch one game without pay for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch, in white, fights with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after the Chiefs’ win on Sunday, October 12. Branch apologized for his actions and said that he reacted the way he did because Smith-Schuster had hit him in the back late in the game, which he thought was illegal. The NFL suspended Branch one game without pay for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Ed Zurga/AP
Window cleaners rappel from a skyscraper in Bogotá, Colombia, on Wednesday, October 15.
Window cleaners rappel from a skyscraper in Bogotá, Colombia, on Wednesday, October 15.
Fernando Vergara/AP
A giant pumpkin is measured at the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California, on Monday, October 13.
A giant pumpkin is measured at the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California, on Monday, October 13.
Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP
A hallway is empty at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Monday, October 13. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F26%2Fpolitics%2Fgovernment-shutdown-september-2025-explained">The federal government shut down</a> on October 1 after failing to reach a funding deal.
A hallway is empty at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Monday, October 13. The federal government shut down on October 1 after failing to reach a funding deal.
Anna Rose Layden/Bloomberg/Getty Images
People sleep outside in Mati City, Philippines, on Saturday, October 11, after <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F09%2Fasia%2Fphilippines-earthquake-mindanao-intl-hnk">two powerful offshore earthquakes</a> on Friday. Towns near the epicenter suffered structural damage.
People sleep outside in Mati City, Philippines, on Saturday, October 11, after two powerful offshore earthquakes on Friday. Towns near the epicenter suffered structural damage.
Jam Sta Rosa/AFP/Getty Images
A law enforcement officer points a crowd control weapon at a protester in Chicago on Tuesday, October 14. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F14%2Fus%2Fchicago-ice-protesters-crash">Federal agents deployed tear gas</a> during a tense standoff with local residents over immigration enforcement.
A law enforcement officer points a crowd control weapon at a protester in Chicago on Tuesday, October 14. Federal agents deployed tear gas during a tense standoff with local residents over immigration enforcement.
Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times/AP
Fall colors are on full display as a vehicle passes through Hunawihr, France, on Wednesday, October 15.
Fall colors are on full display as a vehicle passes through Hunawihr, France, on Wednesday, October 15.
Sebastien Bozon/AFP/Getty Images
A model, wearing a creation by designer Gloria Coelho, passes by people on the subway during a fashion show in São Paulo, Brazil, on Monday, October 13. The subway was turned into a runway for the show.
A model, wearing a creation by designer Gloria Coelho, passes by people on the subway during a fashion show in São Paulo, Brazil, on Monday, October 13. The subway was turned into a runway for the show.
Amanda Perobelli/Reuters
Chicago Bears kicker Jake Moody is held up by his teammates after hitting the game-winning field goal during an NFL game against the Washington Commanders on Monday, October 13.
Chicago Bears kicker Jake Moody is held up by his teammates after hitting the game-winning field goal during an NFL game against the Washington Commanders on Monday, October 13.
Michael Owens/Getty Images
Diana Hicks wipes away tears Saturday, October 11, as she attends a candlelight vigil in Nunnelly, Tennessee, for the 16 people who were killed in a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F15%2Fus%2Ftennessee-explosion-victims-id-rapid-dna">devastating blast</a> at a facility that specialized in making military explosives. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
Diana Hicks wipes away tears Saturday, October 11, as she attends a candlelight vigil in Nunnelly, Tennessee, for the 16 people who were killed in a devastating blast at a facility that specialized in making military explosives. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
Mark Zaleski/The Tennessean/USA Today Network/Reuters
Ziv Berman, one of the Israeli hostages released by Hamas, reacts after arriving at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, on Monday, October 13.
Ziv Berman, one of the Israeli hostages released by Hamas, reacts after arriving at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, on Monday, October 13.
Avishag Shaar-Yashuv/The New York Times/Redux
US President Donald Trump posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to late conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday, October 14. Kirk’s widow, Erika, <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F14%2Fpolitics%2Fcharlie-kirk-trump-medal-of-freedom">accepted the award</a> on her husband’s behalf.
US President Donald Trump posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to late conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday, October 14. Kirk’s widow, Erika, accepted the award on her husband’s behalf.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
SpaceX’s Starship megarocket — the most powerful launch vehicle ever built — lifts off from the company’s launch pad in Starbase, Texas, on Monday, October 13. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fscience%2Flive-news%2Fspacex-starship-flight-11-launch-10-13-25">Starship successfully completed an hourlong test flight and soared through its key goals</a>, which included deploying mock satellites and relighting an engine while in space.
SpaceX’s Starship megarocket — the most powerful launch vehicle ever built — lifts off from the company’s launch pad in Starbase, Texas, on Monday, October 13. Starship successfully completed an hourlong test flight and soared through its key goals, which included deploying mock satellites and relighting an engine while in space.
Steve Nesius/Reuters
A man faces off with soldiers during an anti-government protest in Quito, Ecuador, on Wednesday, October 15. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F05%2Famericas%2Fecuador-state-of-emergency-protests-intl-latam">Anti-government demonstrations</a> began last month in response to the removal of a fuel subsidy that raised diesel prices from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon.
A man faces off with soldiers during an anti-government protest in Quito, Ecuador, on Wednesday, October 15. Anti-government demonstrations began last month in response to the removal of a fuel subsidy that raised diesel prices from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon.
Dolores Ochoa/AP
A man walks past houses at risk of collapse during a storm in Buxton, North Carolina, on Sunday, October 12. Coastal flooding and wind-whipped rain hit the mid-Atlantic and Northeast coastline as an <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F12%2Fweather%2Fnoreaster-coastal-storm-flooding-wind-climate">impactful nor’easter crawled up the East Coast</a>.
A man walks past houses at risk of collapse during a storm in Buxton, North Carolina, on Sunday, October 12. Coastal flooding and wind-whipped rain hit the mid-Atlantic and Northeast coastline as an impactful nor’easter crawled up the East Coast.
Allison Joyce/AP
The Las Vegas Aces celebrate after <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F10%2Fsport%2Fwnba-finals-aces-championship">winning the WNBA title</a> on Friday, October 10. The Aces swept the Phoenix Mercury in the best-of-seven series to claim their third title in four seasons. Superstar A’ja Wilson, center, was named Finals MVP.
The Las Vegas Aces celebrate after winning the WNBA title on Friday, October 10. The Aces swept the Phoenix Mercury in the best-of-seven series to claim their third title in four seasons. Superstar A’ja Wilson, center, was named Finals MVP.
Mike Lawrence/NBAE/Getty Images
Protesters vandalize an armored vehicle during clashes with security forces in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Saturday, October 11. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F13%2Fworld%2Fmadagascar-president-leaves-country-gen-z-protests-intl">Madagascar’s president fled the African nation</a>, the head of the opposition and other officials said on Monday, following weeks of youth-led protests. Demonstrations began last month over water and power shortages but quickly escalated into an uprising over broader grievances, including corruption, bad governance and lack of basic services.
Protesters vandalize an armored vehicle during clashes with security forces in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Saturday, October 11. Madagascar’s president fled the African nation, the head of the opposition and other officials said on Monday, following weeks of youth-led protests. Demonstrations began last month over water and power shortages but quickly escalated into an uprising over broader grievances, including corruption, bad governance and lack of basic services.
Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images
Two deer lock horns in Dublin’s Phoenix Park on Monday, October 13.
Two deer lock horns in Dublin’s Phoenix Park on Monday, October 13.
Niall Carson/PA/AP
Nermin Husanovic operates a steam locomotive that is still used to transport coal in the Banovići mine in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, October 9.
Nermin Husanovic operates a steam locomotive that is still used to transport coal in the Banovići mine in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, October 9.
Amel Emric/Reuters
People walk at an intersection in Gaza City on Wednesday, October 15. Many of the buildings have been destroyed by Israeli bombardments over the last two years.
People walk at an intersection in Gaza City on Wednesday, October 15. Many of the buildings have been destroyed by Israeli bombardments over the last two years.
AP
Members of the Pentagon press corps carry their belongings out of the Pentagon after turning in their press credentials on Wednesday, October 15. The Pentagon told beat reporters to sign <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F13%2Fmedia%2Fpentagon-hegseth-press-restrictions-newsmax-fox-news">restrictive new rules</a> by Tuesday or surrender their press passes by Wednesday. Virtually every news outlet has rejected the ultimatum and said they will not sign.
Members of the Pentagon press corps carry their belongings out of the Pentagon after turning in their press credentials on Wednesday, October 15. The Pentagon told beat reporters to sign restrictive new rules by Tuesday or surrender their press passes by Wednesday. Virtually every news outlet has rejected the ultimatum and said they will not sign.
Kevin Wolf/AP
The Seattle Mariners’ Eugenio Suárez enjoys some bubble gum as he attends batting practice on Friday, October 10.
The Seattle Mariners’ Eugenio Suárez enjoys some bubble gum as he attends batting practice on Friday, October 10.
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Boats sail at the start of the Barcolana Sailing Regatta in the Gulf of Trieste on Sunday, October 12. The Gulf of Trieste is in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea near Croatia, Italy and Slovenia. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F09%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Fphotos-this-week-october-02-october-09">See last week in 36 photos</a>.
Boats sail at the start of the Barcolana Sailing Regatta in the Gulf of Trieste on Sunday, October 12. The Gulf of Trieste is in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea near Croatia, Italy and Slovenia. See last week in 36 photos.
Stefano Rellandini/AFP/Getty Images