Tel Aviv: Hundreds of people have gathered at Hostages Square in central Tel Aviv, anxiously awaiting updates on the release of Israeli citizens held captive in Gaza. The square, which has become a symbolic focal point since the October 7, 2023 attacks, has long served as a gathering place for families and supporters advocating for the hostages’ return.
Emotions ran high as residents, relatives, and well-wishers watched live coverage of the ongoing handovers. The square, often filled with banners, photographs, and signs calling for the safe return of loved ones, has become a hub for communal solidarity and hope over the past two years.
Israeli media reported that a second group of 13 hostages has been handed over to the Red Cross in southern Gaza and is now en route to Israel. Their arrival has intensified anticipation in Hostages Square, with families and citizens closely following every update and preparing for emotional reunions.
Since the beginning of the crisis, Hostages Square has been a poignant symbol of the human impact of conflict, reflecting both the collective anxiety of the Israeli public and the resilience of families demanding action. Today, the square once again stands at the heart of a historic moment, as citizens watch and celebrate the gradual return of those who have been held for more than two years.
Authorities and humanitarian agencies continue to coordinate the safe transfer of the hostages, while the crowds maintain a watchful, hopeful presence, underscoring the nation’s shared relief and anticipation for the full return of all captives.