'How good it's that you're coming home': Tears, cheers, and bittersweet reunions as Israelis welcome freed hostages

In a landmark step toward ending two years of bloodshed, Hamas began releasing 20 living Israeli hostages early Monday under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross, marking the first phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that also includes the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered across major cities, particularly in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and near military bases, to witness the return of the first group of 20 living hostages held by Hamas for over two years, following the October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the conflict. 

People gather at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as they wait for the release of Israelis still held in Gaza. Families, friends, and supporters waved Israeli flags, wore yellow ribbons, held photos of captives, and prepared personal tributes such as T-shirts printed with hostages’ images, reflecting the mix of relief, anticipation, and emotional tension surrounding the homecoming.

An Israeli military helicopter waits in preparation to take hostages released by Hamas in Gaza to hospitals in Israel after they arrive at the southern Reim army base on Monday morning. The International Committee of the Red Cross coordinated the handover of hostages at a designated site in northern Gaza, with the Israeli military overseeing security and logistics.

People holding up US and Israeli flags along with a portrait of US President Donald Trump gather at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv early Monday morning. The hostages’ release forms part of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire deal proposed by Trump, under which Israel will free more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and others held without charge, in exchange for the hostages and the remains of deceased captives.

Family and friends of Israeli hostage Eitan Horn celebrate as they wait for his release at their house in the central Israeli city of Rosh Haayin on Monday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara prepared handwritten notes and reception kits for the returning hostages, containing clothing, laptops, cellphones, tablets, and other personal items.

People celebrate at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as news came out that Hamas has already handed over seven surviving hostages to the Red Cross. While the hostages’ release marks a significant humanitarian milestone, key issues remain unresolved, including Gaza’s governance, Hamas’ future role, disarmament concerns, and the financing and management of a multi-billion-dollar reconstruction effort, leaving the region’s political and security landscape fragile.

Israelis gather to show support for hostages released at the Reim military base in southern Israel from Gaza. The Hebrew writing on the banner reads, "How good it is that you're coming home". Meanwhile, the historic Gaza peace summit is scheduled to take place in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh, with more than 20 world leaders, including U.S. President Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, expected to attend, aiming to formalise the ceasefire, oversee humanitarian aid, and discuss long-term regional stability.

A woman reacts as people celebrate at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as news came out that Hamas has already handed over seven surviving hostages to the Red Cross on Monday. For Israelis, this moment marks a symbolic end to a dark chapter that began with the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages, a tragedy that united the nation in weekly demonstrations demanding their safe return and ignited the deadliest war in Gaza’s history.

People gather at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv early in the day, ahead of the hostage release. Hamas’ military wing confirmed the release list of hostages, stating it matched the names previously shared during negotiations, while an Israeli defense official said the exchange would occur in stages, with all 20 living hostages expected to cross into Israel by early Monday morning.

People wrapped in US and Israeli flags stand around a portrait of US President Trump as they wait for the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. The ceasefire deal, framed under Trump’s mediation, stipulates Israel’s release of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences, and allows the immediate flow of humanitarian aid, food, and medical supplies into Gaza, which has been ravaged by famine and mass displacement.

Vicki Cohen (top), the mother of Israeli hostage Ninrod Cohen, waves from a vehicle as she arrives at the Reim military base in southern Israel following the release of hostages by Hamas from the Gaza Strip. Emotions ran high across Israel as families and supporters gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, near the Gaza border, and at military bases to welcome their loved ones, waving flags, chanting “bring them home,” and watching live updates on giant screens as the Red Cross convoy made its way to collect the captives.

The conflict has left a devastating toll, with over 1,200 Israelis killed in Hamas’ initial attack, more than 67,000 Palestinians dead according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, nearly 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents displaced, and extensive destruction to infrastructure. Today, hope flickers with the hostages’ release, yet Gaza and Israel remain burdened by loss, displacement, and devastation that no short-term ceasefire can instantly repair.