Freed Israeli hostages, along with their families and friends, embraced tearfully on Monday, celebrating the end of their two-year captivity in Gaza.
Wrapped in blue and white Israeli flags, the returnees waved and smiled as military helicopters brought them home. AFP reporters saw the scenes as militants released the remaining 20 surviving hostages under a US-backed ceasefire agreement.
Footage released by the Israeli military captured the emotional reunions. “My life, you are my life… you are a hero,” cried Einav Zangauker as she hugged her son, Matan. “Bless you, my dear,” she added.
Eitan Mor’s parents clutched their son tightly, sobbing with relief. Other young hostages, including Bar Kuperstein and Yosef Haim Ohana, waved from van windows as cheering crowds raised Israeli flags outside the Sheba Medical Centre near Tel Aviv.
Freed Israeli-German twins Gali and Ziv Berman smiled and flashed a thumbs-up, proudly wearing the yellow and blue shirts of their beloved football club, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Families Rejoice
Israel and Hamas reached a Gaza ceasefire agreement on 9 October to free the remaining living hostages — a key step toward ending a war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and caused a humanitarian crisis.
In Tel Aviv, hundreds gathered at Hostages Square to celebrate the news with tears, songs, and flag-waving. Many had arrived at sunrise, carrying portraits of their loved ones and Israeli flags adorned with yellow ribbons, symbols of the campaign for their release.
“It’s so overwhelming that it’s finally happening,” said 34-year-old Shelly Bar Nir. “What we’ve fought for over two years — our hostages are finally coming home.”
Another woman, Noga, wearing a badge marked “Last day,” said, “I’m torn between joy and sorrow for those who won’t return.”
Hamas and allied militants captured 251 people during the October 7, 2023, attack. Although many were freed during earlier truces, 47 remained in Gaza — only 20 of whom survived. Noga said she had worn a badge every day since, counting the days of their captivity.
‘Welcome Home’
For two years, Hostages Square in Tel Aviv has been the focal point of rallies demanding the captives’ release. When news broke that seven hostages had been freed on Monday, the square erupted in cheers and singing.
Israel later confirmed the return of all 20 surviving hostages, posting messages on X that read, “Welcome home.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of those held in Gaza, urged supporters to gather at the square with yellow ribbons — now a common sight across Israel, tied to cars, railings, and pushchairs.
However, Israel did not expect the bodies of all deceased hostages to be handed over. The families’ forum condemned this as “a blatant breach of the agreement by Hamas,” vowing to continue their campaign.
“Our struggle is not over,” the group said. “It will only end when the last hostage is found and returned for a proper burial. Only then will the people of Israel be whole.”
Under the ceasefire deal, Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 prisoners — most of them Gazans detained since the war began — in exchange for the freed hostages.