Watch: Freed Israeli hostage kisses forehead of two Hamas members on stage

(Image: X)

In a latest development under the Gaza truce deal, Hamas released three Israeli hostages—Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen—to the Red Cross. The handover took place in the town of Nuseirat, where the hostages were brought onto a stage, waving and holding their release certificates before being transferred to Red Cross officials, reported News 18.

#BREAKING Israeli hostage kisses the forehead of 2 Hamas members pic.twitter.com/Icg6TDEyEQ
War Monitor (@WarMonitors) February 22, 2025

During the ceremony, Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov was seen kissing the foreheads of two Hamas members while waving. A Red Cross convoy later transported the hostages following the event.

Malki Shem Tov, father of Omer Shem Tov, told The Times of Israel, that his son’s happy demeanor was seen at the time of the release. He said, as per the outlet, “Omer is thinner… but is upbeat, upbeat, the most positive-minded in the world. We didn’t even know what he would look like. He just came out and surprised us all, with the smile, the wave — it’s just crazy."

“That’s Omer," she says… He’s just that kind of kid… He gets on with everyone. Even Hamas… They love him even there." While his brother said that, “He’s always, always positive."