Joy and Tears in Tel Aviv as First Hostages Released from Gaza

In a poignant moment for many, hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Monday, expressing a mix of joy and sorrow as the first hostages were released by Hamas after two years of captivity in Gaza. This significant event comes as part of a ceasefire agreement, initiated following the unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, which saw 251 individuals taken hostage.

As dawn broke, supporters arrived bearing photographs of the captives, waving Israeli flags adorned with yellow ribbons—symbols of the ongoing campaign for their release. Among those present was Noga, who expressed her conflicting emotions. “I’m torn between emotion and sadness for those who won’t be coming back,” she told AFP, highlighting the complex feelings shared by many.

A Long and Difficult Journey

On October 7, Hamas and its militant allies captured a total of 251 individuals, resulting in a national outcry for their return. While some hostages were released during previous truces, only 20 of the 47 individuals seized on that day remain alive. Since their abduction, Noga has worn a small badge each day, counting the moments of their captivity.

For the past two years, Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square has become a focal point for rallies advocating for the captives. When news broke that the first seven hostages were set to be released, the square erupted in cheers, songs, and tears of relief. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the families of captives, encouraged the gathering, emphasizing the significance of the yellow ribbons that have come to symbolize hope across public spaces in Israel.

The forum released a statement reaffirming their commitment: “Our struggle is not over. It will not end until the last hostage is located and returned for proper burial. This is our moral obligation. Only then will the people of Israel be whole.”

Emotional Reunions and Future Commitments

Former Labour MP Emilie Moatti, a co-founder of the forum, expressed her deep emotions as she addressed the crowd, visibly moved by the moment. “It’s overwhelming to see everyone here,” she remarked, fighting back tears as she gestured towards the sea of supporters.

Israeli television broadcast footage from earlier rallies at the same location, with the iconic song Habayta (“Homeward” in Hebrew) playing continuously through loudspeakers. For the first time in months, the lyrics resonated with newfound hope as many believed that wishes for the hostages’ return were finally being realized. The song, originally dedicated to Israeli soldiers fighting in Lebanon during the 1980s, took on a new significance in this context.

The release of these hostages represents the beginning of a ceasefire plan facilitated by Donald Trump, whereby Israel is expected to release nearly 2,000 prisoners held in its jails, the majority of whom are Gazans detained since the conflict escalated. As this complex situation unfolds, the emotional rollercoaster for families continues, reflecting the broader struggle for peace and resolution in the region.