Jubilation in Israel after hostages released

Israel’s citizens exploded in expressions of jubilation as 20 living hostages were released Monday morning after being held captive for 738 days by Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization.

The Jerusalem Post reported that a first batch of seven hostages were released at around 8:15 a.m. local time. A convoy of Red Cross vehicles picked the captives up from a handover site in Gaza City. The hostages are Matan Angrest, brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa Dalal.

Joy was particularly high at the return of the Bermans. The Berman twins weren’t held together and haven’t been seen in Hamas videos or photos since they were taken from their home on Oct. 7, 2023.

The remaining 13 hostages were released to the Red Cross after 11:00 AM local time in two additional batches, one in the city of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, the other in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis. 

Encouraged by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, thousands of people gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square in the early hours of the morning in anticipation of the release of the captives, watching the process broadcast live on large screens set up in the square. 

According to The Times of Israel, the families of the hostages made their way down south overnight to make it to the Re’im military facility on the Gaza border to meet their living relatives.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel will free later on Monday 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

Total peace in Gaza remains elusive, however. According to the BBC, at least 27 people have been killed in clashes between Hamas and a Gaza City clan since the end of Israeli operations in the strip.

President Donald Trump landed in Israel at around 9:00 a.m. local time, and according to the Times of Israel, he was greeted with a giant sign displayed on Tel Aviv beach saying “Thank you, President Trump.” The president was scheduled to meet the families of the hostages after addressing the Knesset – Israel’s congress – where he received the nation’s highest civil award.

At the Knesset, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog told the American leader, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” in an unusual quotation of the New Testament from an Israeli leader.