Israelis expressed overwhelming joy and relief as 20 living hostages were freed by Hamas in a ceasefire deal, bringing hope for an end to the two-year conflict in Gaza. The emotional reunions in Tel Aviv contrasted with ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace.
The hostage release on Monday marked a critical phase in the US-brokered ceasefire agreement, which saw Hamas return all remaining living Israeli captives. In exchange, Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, many of whom had been held without charge. This swap was part of a broader plan aimed at de-escalating the violence that has devastated Gaza since October 2023. The initial phase of the deal followed a ceasefire that took effect on Friday and an increase in humanitarian aid entering Gaza over the weekend.
In Israel, crowds gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where yellow ribbons and images of the hostages adorned the area. Families screamed and cried with happiness as they embraced their loved ones for the first time in over two years. One former hostage, Arbel Yehoud, described being ‘overwhelmed with emotion and joy’ upon reuniting with her partner, Ariel Cunio, noting that the hope of holding him again had sustained her daily. The scenes of celebration spread across the country, with tens of thousands watching updates on the releases.
US President Donald Trump played a pivotal role, arriving in Israel shortly after the releases and addressing the Knesset, where he declared a ‘historic dawn in a new Middle East.’ His speech, interrupted briefly by a protester calling for Palestinian recognition, emphasized that the ‘long and painful nightmare is finally over’ for both Israelis and Palestinians. Trump then flew to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for a summit with over 20 world leaders to sign a declaration as guarantors of the ceasefire.
Simultaneously, Palestinians celebrated the return of detainees in Gaza and the West Bank, with joyous crowds waving flags and greeting buses carrying the freed individuals. However, many of the released prisoners appeared pale and gaunt, highlighting the harsh conditions of their detention. A Palestinian man expressed that ‘the happiness and joy is indescribable, despite the suffering,’ while others noted the mixed emotions of relief and ongoing hardship in the war-torn region.
Despite the celebrations, challenges remain, particularly regarding the remains of deceased hostages. Hamas returned only four bodies, and Israel is conducting forensic tests to confirm identities, while families demand the return of all 24 believed to be in Gaza. The ceasefire agreement acknowledges difficulties in locating remains within the timeframe, adding tension to the fragile peace. Israel has warned it may restrict aid convoys into Gaza due to delays in returning the remaining bodies.
The broader peace plan, outlined in Trump’s 20-point proposal, involves a temporary transitional committee for Gaza overseen by a ‘Board of Peace,’ with eventual transfer to a reformed Palestinian Authority. However, disputes over Israeli troop withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and governance could hinder progress, as both sides have firm stances. Hamas has previously rejected disarmament without a Palestinian state, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back on PA involvement.
The conflict began with Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent offensive has resulted in over 67,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health authorities, and widespread destruction, with more than 90% of buildings damaged or destroyed. The United Nations and other international bodies consider these figures reliable, underscoring the humanitarian crisis that persists despite the ceasefire.
As negotiations for subsequent phases begin, the initial success of the hostage release offers a glimmer of hope, but sustained diplomacy will be essential to address underlying issues and achieve a durable resolution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump noted that phases are ‘mixed in with each other,’ indicating the complexity ahead, but the joy in Israel and Palestine provides a foundation for cautious optimism.