The families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza experienced immense joy when they received a call from Donald Trump informing them that their loved ones would be returning home soon. A group of approximately a dozen Israeli relatives engaged in a conversation with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick following a significant development that led to Hamas agreeing to the initial phase of Trump’s peace initiative.
As per the plan, Israeli troops are set to pull back to the “yellow line” by tomorrow, initiating a 72-hour period during which Hamas can release the hostages in exchange for the liberation of Palestinian prisoners. The exchange is now scheduled to take place on Monday. During the conversation, Lutnick inquired, “What do you have to say to President Trump?” prompting the entire group to exclaim, “Thank you!”
Trump, speaking via speakerphone, expressed his gratitude, to which one family member shouted, “You did it!” Another member acknowledged Trump’s efforts and expressed their trust in his commitment to bringing all hostages back home, concluding with a blessing for peacemakers. Trump reassured the relatives, saying, “Thank you very much, you just take care of yourselves. The hostages will come back, they’re all coming back on Monday.”
The atmosphere at Hostages Square in central Tel Aviv was filled with celebration as news of the impending return spread. The crowd erupted in cheers as a Champagne bottle was popped open, sweets were distributed, and tears of joy mingled with laughter and heartfelt embraces. “Matan is coming home!” exclaimed Einav Zangauker, a prominent figure in the campaign for the hostages’ release, referring to her captive son. She expressed her longing to hold him close again, stating, “If I have one dream, it is seeing Matan sleep in his own bed.”
Israel reported that out of the 250 initially taken captive, 20 hostages are alive, and 28 have passed away. Rebecca Bohbot, whose husband Elkana was captured on October 7, shared her relief on Instagram, anticipating the reunion of families and the return of a father to his son. Omer Wenkert, a former captive released earlier in the conflict, conveyed his overwhelming emotions at the prospect of finally experiencing collective joy as a nation.
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