Hostages Return to Israel After Two Years

Post by : Monika

Israel witnessed a deeply emotional and historic moment this week as several hostages held by Hamas for nearly two years finally returned home. The release took place under a ceasefire agreement arranged with the help of the United States.

The event brought both joy and sorrow — joy for families reunited, and sorrow for those still missing or lost. Across the country, thousands of Israelis gathered in squares and streets, waving flags, lighting candles, and holding photos of loved ones.

The return of these hostages marked one of the most significant moments since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel. The attack killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and more than 250 others were taken hostage. The event shocked the world and led to a long and violent war in Gaza.

A Deal Two Years in the Making

For nearly two years, Israel tried to bring the hostages home through military actions, secret talks, and international help. Negotiations were often tense and uncertain, with several previous attempts to reach a deal failing. The recent truce finally came after strong mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.

Under this agreement, Hamas agreed to release the Israeli hostages it still held, while Israel promised to free many Palestinian prisoners. The truce also included temporary peace in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid and medical help to reach civilians suffering from months of bombings and shortages.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump played a major role in pushing both sides to agree to the exchange. Many Israelis believe his direct involvement helped speed up the deal after long delays. Some local leaders even called the hostages’ return “the Trump miracle.”

Emotional Homecomings

The first group of freed hostages arrived early Sunday morning at Israel’s Hatzerim Airbase, where they were met by medical teams and security officials. Many appeared weak, thin, and tired after months in captivity. Doctors immediately began checking their health before allowing family reunions.

In cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, large crowds gathered in what has become known as “Hostages Square.” People held up signs saying “Welcome Home,” “Never Forget,” and “Thank You.” Israeli flags covered every corner, and tears of relief flowed freely.

Among those who returned was Rachel Cohen, a 52-year-old mother of three who was taken from her home in the Be’eri kibbutz during the October 7 attack. Her husband was killed that same day, and she was held captive in tunnels beneath Gaza for 23 months. When she finally stepped off the helicopter, her two sons ran toward her and hugged her tightly. “I am home, I am alive,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Families who had campaigned for the hostages’ freedom for months said their fight was not in vain. “This is the happiest and hardest day of our lives,” said Yossi Levy, whose daughter Maya was among those freed. “We waited 732 days. Now she is back, but part of our heart stayed behind — for those who didn’t make it.”

Honoring Those Still Missing

Even as people celebrated, the mood remained heavy. Many hostages did not survive their captivity. Their remains are now being returned to Israel for burial. Memorial ceremonies were held in several cities to honor them. Families of those still missing demanded that the government continue its efforts until everyone is accounted for.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the returning hostages and promised that Israel would “never rest until all are home.” However, his appearance in Tel Aviv was met with mixed reactions. Some people clapped, but others booed loudly, showing public anger over his government’s handling of the crisis. Critics accuse Netanyahu of failing to prevent the October 7 attack and say he focused more on politics than on rescuing the hostages earlier.

Trump Praised for His Role

The event also turned into a moment of political attention. Large posters of Donald Trump appeared in several Israeli cities, thanking him for his help in securing the deal. Some supporters even waved American flags beside Israeli ones.

In Jerusalem, one banner read, “Thank You Trump — You Brought Our Children Home.” The former U.S. president, who is expected to visit Israel soon, said in a social media post that he was “honored to help bring peace and healing.”

Israeli officials did not confirm all the details of Trump’s involvement but admitted that his diplomatic pressure played a key part in breaking the deadlock. A senior Israeli officer said, “The Americans were the bridge that made this happen.”

Gaza in Ruins

While Israel rejoiced, Gaza remained in devastation. The long war has left the territory in ruins. Buildings, hospitals, and schools were destroyed, and thousands of families are still displaced. Humanitarian groups say that Gaza’s recovery will take years.

For the hostages returning from Gaza, the sight of the destruction left deep emotional scars. Many spoke about the harsh conditions they faced — hunger, darkness, and fear. One of them, a 19-year-old soldier named Eyal, said, “We were kept underground, with no sunlight. We didn’t know if anyone was coming for us.”

Psychologists in Israel are now preparing long-term mental health programs to help the survivors recover from trauma. Experts say many will need months of treatment to feel safe again.

The Road Ahead

Although the release has brought hope, peace remains uncertain. The truce is temporary, and both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of breaking its terms. Political analysts say maintaining the calm will be difficult, especially if either side resumes attacks.

Israel’s military leaders have also warned that Hamas still holds weapons and could regroup quickly. On the other side, Hamas claims that Israel has not yet released all the Palestinian prisoners it promised. The situation remains fragile, and the world is watching closely.

Despite this, many Israelis see the return of the hostages as a turning point. For them, it symbolizes endurance, unity, and faith after two years of pain. “This day shows that even after darkness, light comes again,” said Rabbi Shmuel Rubin during a ceremony in Jerusalem.

International Reactions

Leaders from around the world welcomed the hostage release. U.S. President Joe Biden called it a “powerful moment of humanity” and urged both sides to use this chance to move toward a lasting peace. The European Union also praised the agreement and said it was ready to help rebuild Gaza once the fighting stops.

Egypt and Qatar, who acted as mediators, received international recognition for their efforts. Both countries said they hoped this would lead to further negotiations that could end the conflict permanently.

The United Nations has called for continuous humanitarian access to Gaza, warning that without long-term peace, the region could soon face famine and disease outbreaks.

A Nation Reflects

For Israel, the return of the hostages has become more than just a political or military event — it is a national moment of reflection. Across the country, schools held special assemblies, churches and synagogues rang bells, and television channels paused regular programs to broadcast stories of survival and hope.

As night fell, candles lit up public squares from Tel Aviv to Haifa. People prayed for the remaining hostages and for peace to finally come to their land. “We are one people,” said an elderly woman holding a small flag. “We have suffered together, and we will heal together.”

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