Gaza Strip
Hundreds of people flocked to Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square after the announcement of a deal between Israel and Hamas. The square, a powerful symbol over the past two years, transformed from a site of anguish into one of joy.
An Israeli official said that all 20 living hostages being held by Palestinian terrorists in Gaza are expected to be released on Sunday or Monday.
“This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza,” said U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Protocol will follow model used in prior hostage returns • Officer quarters at Re’im military base being converted into reception areas for freed captives.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa claimed that flotilla participants had been abducted.
“From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved,” said the Israeli premier.
The operation to receive the hostages will be conducted “with sensitivity and professionalism,” according to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
“All of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable and everlasting peace.”
Tens of thousands gathered at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv for Israel’s official memorial ceremony marking two years since the Oct. 7 massacre.
The terrorist group’s new demands threaten to derail a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.
The terrorist organization “hopes to emerge from the deal without its capabilities being harmed.”
“Alongside the immense pain, we feel great pride in the miraculous resilience of our state.”
