Gaza Strip/Tel Aviv, October 13(HS): Seven Israeli hostages released from the captivity of the militant group Hamas have arrived back in Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement, sparking a celebratory atmosphere across the nation. Their return coincided with the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv, who was greeted with a warm welcome.
The hostages—Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Eitan Abraham Mor, Omri Miran, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, and Gilboa-Dalal—were handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross, which then transferred them to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Emotional family members, many moved to tears, have gathered as they await their reunion.
An additional 13 hostages are expected to be released by Hamas from southern Gaza shortly.According to reports from CNN and The Times of Israel, large crowds have gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where a live broadcast from Gaza is being displayed on giant screens arranged by the government.
People are watching the developments intently, erupting in applause and waving flags and posters with the hostages’ photos. Tel Aviv has been adorned to welcome the hostages, with banners and artwork decorating the streets near the hospitals where they will first be taken, including Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center, and Beilinson Medical Center.
One banner reads, Finally home! while another states, We have been waiting for you.The release is part of a broader agreement that will see approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners freed in exchange for 48 Israeli civilians held in Gaza.
Notably, the list of prisoners includes Ahmed Mahmad Jamil Shahada, a Gaza resident convicted of rape and murder in 1989. His crime was not classified as a terrorist act, making him eligible for release. The Israeli government approved last-minute changes to the prisoner list via a late-night telephone vote, disqualifying two individuals.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has landed at Ben Gurion Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the return of the hostages and praised President Trump’s efforts in securing their release.
The ceasefire, which took effect on Friday, has allowed for recovery efforts in the heavily damaged Gaza Strip. At least 295 bodies have been recovered from the rubble since Sunday. According to United Nations estimates, nearly two years of conflict have damaged or destroyed over 430,000 homes, resulting in 61 million tons of debris.
A Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson stated Saturday that an estimated 10,000 Palestinians are still believed to be buried under the rubble.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
