Israel rejoices as last living hostages return from Gaza

Israel experienced a rare moment of unity and relief as 20 living hostages returned home under the new cease-fire agreement with Hamas. After nearly two years in captivity, the survivors emerged frail but alive, embodying resilience and hope for a nation scarred by war.

Source The New York Times 

Crowds filled Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to celebrate their return, waving flags and cheering as helicopters landed with freed captives. Yet the celebrations were bittersweet — Israel also received 28 bodies of those who had died in captivity, with 59 already buried earlier this year. Military officials confirmed that efforts to identify the remaining victims continue.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking alongside Donald Trump in Jerusalem, quoted from Ecclesiastes: “There is a time for war and a time for peace.” He declared that the past two years had been a time of war — and expressed hope that the coming years would finally bring peace both within and beyond Israel’s borders.