Israelis Celebrate Reunion as Last Hostages Return Home After Two Years

After a long and agonizing wait, the last 20 living hostages held by Hamas returned to Israel on the morning of March 4, 2025, marking a significant moment of relief for families and the nation. The hostages had been abducted during an attack on October 7, 2023, which is viewed as one of the darkest days in Israeli history. Their release, announced in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square to a crowd of thousands, brought tears of joy and a sense of national catharsis.

“All the living hostages have been released,” declared the emcee, prompting a wave of jubilation among the gathered crowd. Many had arrived in the downtown plaza early, hoping to witness this long-awaited moment. The atmosphere was electric as people hugged and chanted, “home, home.”

Matti, a mother from Netanya who had campaigned tirelessly for the hostages’ release, expressed her disbelief and joy. “It’s crazy to be here. Dreams do come true,” she said. Videos of emotional reunions quickly circulated online, showcasing heartfelt moments between freed hostages and their families. In one video, Eitan Mor‘s father was seen weeping with happiness as he embraced his son. Another clip featured Einav Zangauker, a prominent advocate for the hostages, joyfully exclaiming, “my life, my life, my life” as she rushed to hug her son Matan.

The release of the hostages came as part of a broader agreement involving the release of over 1,900 Palestinians from Israeli prisons. While it offered a glimmer of hope, it did not signal the end of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in nearly 68,000 Palestinian and about 2,000 Israeli casualties.

This moment was particularly poignant for a nation that has been deeply affected by the plight of the hostages. Since their abduction, the stories of the hostages have dominated Israeli media, with their images displayed prominently across the country.

“No one slept tonight,” said Yuval, a student who arrived at Hostage Square early in the morning. He described the day as the most significant in their history, before adding, “Today is fun, happy.”

As families reunited, many Israelis chose to stay home to watch the events unfold on television, creating an unusually quiet atmosphere in the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Those who ventured out found themselves captivated by the news, with conversations filled with hope and relief.

“I don’t think anyone wants to go again,” said Morad, who works at a pharmacy. “Everyone is tired. Everyone needs a break. Today is a festive day. Everyone is happy.”

Yet, despite the overwhelming joy, the day was also marked by sadness. There were 28 hostages who would not return alive. Rachel, waiting with her family in West Jerusalem, reflected on the bittersweet nature of the day. “It’s a miracle that all the [living] hostages have been released, but it is also a day filled with a lot of sadness for all the people who didn’t come home,” she noted.

Israeli officials have acknowledged that retrieving the bodies of the deceased hostages may take time, with some possibly buried under rubble. This uncertainty led to frustrations among families of the deceased, particularly when Hamas announced they would return only four bodies on the same day.

The families expressed their discontent, stating that this constituted a breach of agreement by Hamas and called for the peace deal to be suspended until all the bodies were returned. “We demand all 28 hostages back. We will not give up on anyone,” a representative from the families said.

While some Israelis celebrated the moment, others felt frustration over the delay that cost lives. Concerns lingered about whether the negotiated deal would genuinely lead to peace or simply provide Hamas with the time to regroup.

During a brief visit to Israel, Donald Trump was welcomed as a hero, receiving cheers as his plane flew over Hostage Square. In contrast, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu faced jeers from the crowd when his name was mentioned.

In the midst of the celebrations, many understood there remains a significant amount of work to be done in the ongoing struggle for peace. “This country brings you back to reality very quickly. There’s a lot more work to be done to make this the place that it was,” said Matti, reflecting the mixed emotions felt by many.

As the day unfolded, the reunions served as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the hope that, perhaps, this exchange could pave the way for a more peaceful future.