TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — For the past 24 months, the central area of Tel Aviv known as Hostages Square has been a focal point of anguish, uncertainty, and despair for families affected by the ongoing conflict. However, on the morning of Thursday, October 9, 2025, this place transformed into a scene of joyous celebration. The news that the struggle to free Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza was nearing a resolution brought an overwhelming sense of relief to the gathered crowd.
As the atmosphere filled with excitement, a Champagne bottle was popped open to cheers, sweets were shared among those present, and tears of joy mingled with laughter. Einav Zangauker, a vocal advocate in the two-year campaign for the release of hostages, shouted, ‘Matan is coming home!’ referring to her son who is among those still held captive in Gaza. With arms raised towards the sky, she expressed her gratitude with a heartfelt ‘Thank you!’ while surrounded by other families of hostages and former captives who had been released earlier in the conflict.
The heart-wrenching saga began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack that resulted in numerous Israeli citizens being kidnapped, leading to a prolonged and difficult fight for their freedom. Families of the hostages have traveled internationally, meeting global leaders and advocating for the release of their loved ones, often facing skepticism and indifference from local politicians. Their relentless pursuit of justice and compassion has unified the families in shared pain and hope.
The news of a deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at releasing the remaining hostages, stirred the atmosphere in Hostages Square. Of the 250 individuals initially taken captive, officials reported that 20 were still alive while 28 had tragically lost their lives. The countdown clock, symbolizing the days, hours, and minutes since that fateful day, continues to tick; however, rather than a reminder of suffering, it now evokes anticipation for the impending release of loved ones.
Rebecca Bohbot, whose husband Elkana was taken hostage during the October attack, shared her feelings on social media, saying, ‘For two years, I have been fighting for the life of my man. This is the moment that a little boy will return to hug his father, a moment when my family comes back to life.’ Her words encapsulated the deep longing many families have felt throughout this ordeal.
Central to the celebrations was President Trump, who many families credit for urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to this critical deal. Attendees donned costumes resembling the American leader and waved flags, with some supporters calling for him to receive a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in this development. The evening turned into a moment of collective cheer, signaling a potential end to the sorrow that has overshadowed Israel since the original attacks in 2023. Families and former captives alike expressed joy and relief, echoing a sentiment of renewed hope and potential healing for the nation.
Omer Wenkert, a former captive, expressed his own optimism about the agreement, stating, ‘I can’t even imagine the amount of joy we will be able to feel, as a nation, finally.’ The gathering in Hostages Square, under the night sky illuminated by the spirit of celebration, represented not just individual victories but a collective healing for all affected by the conflict that has gripped Israel and Gaza.
