Israel breathed a sigh of relief as three hostages were released from Gaza on Saturday, sparking a mixture of emotions among families and supporters. In stark contrast to the shock and anguish that greeted the release of three emaciated men last week, Saturday’s ceremony saw a more subdued crowd gather in Tel Aviv.
The Red Cross received Sasha Trupanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Iair Horn, who were part of the hostages taken by Hamas. The emotional reunion brought tears to eyes as hundreds gathered in Hostages Square to watch the handover. However, medical experts expressed concerns over the condition of those recently released.
Dr. Hagai Levine, head of the medical team for the hostage families group, noted that while the newly released men appeared healthy enough to walk and talk on their own, they needed careful examination. Those who were freed last week shared horrific accounts of the conditions faced by remaining hostages in Gaza, highlighting severe health damage from nearly 500 days of captivity.
As the situation remains uncertain, families whose loved ones are still being held expressed anxiety about the potential breakdown of cease-fire negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to secure releases have been a source of tension and uncertainty for weeks, with the hostages paying the price for each other’s situations.
Despite the turmoil, many in attendance showed solidarity with those still missing, hoisting pictures of captives in celebration. As one visitor said, “Being together – it’s everything to me.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/world/middleeast/israel-hostages-square-reaction.html