WASHINGTON, D.C. (WZMQ) — Today, a moment many feared would never come. All 20 living Israeli hostages are finally back home.
737 days. That’s how long these hostages have been held in Gaza. The 20 who returned alive were among the 251 kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023.
A convoy of coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages returned to Israel late Monday, just hours after an emotional and joyful homecoming for the survivors.
Some hostages were brought to a medical center in Tel Aviv. At nearby Hostages Square, thousands celebrated a homecoming two years in the making — a homecoming many worried would never come.
“The hostages are back,” said President Trump, while addressing Israel’s Knesset Monday morning.
Their return is celebrated across the globe and across the aisle in Washington.
“The nightmare finally ends. May the hostages have a full recovery and may we never forget those who didn’t make it out alive. Credit to @POTUS for a breakthrough ceasefire of this awful war,” said Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., on social media.
“The world owes a debt of gratitude to President Trump, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio and all the negotiators in the region for this outcome. Yet, this is also a solemn day for the hostage families whose loved ones will not return alive. We pray that today marks the beginning of a new chapter of peace,” said Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa.
“Today is a day for celebration. After two years, the Israeli hostages are coming home and, with hope, the conflict and death can end on all sides. I remain hopeful that this agreement can continue to build small ounces of trust, that ultimately gets to a lasting peace for both the Israeli and Palestinian people,” said Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., on social media.
“It’s a joyous day to see the remaining hostages returned after two brutal years in captivity. I’m praying for their recovery, for their families, and for those who didn’t make it home,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D- Mich., on X. “Today gives us hope for a lasting ceasefire that will bring peace and stability to the region.”
President Donald Trump, who helped broker the ceasefire, received a warm welcome in Israel early Monday. Standing beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump called the day “a historic dawn” for the Middle East.
“After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger. Today the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still and the sun rises on a holy land that is finally at peace, a land and a region that will live, God willing, in peace for all eternity,” said Trump.
The president then traveled to Egypt for a summit with world leaders to sign the historic Gaza peace deal.
Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners were also released as part of Phase One of the deal. But now, questions remain over when and how Phase Two will begin.
“Together, let us continue in the spirit of cooperation and goodwill that has finally brought us to this incredible, historic breakthrough,” said Trump.
In Gaza, the United Nations says aid is ramping up with about 190,000 metric tons of humanitarian assistance approved to be delivered. According to UNICEF, 600 trucks a day will deliver food, cooking gas, medical supplies and equipment to rebuild critical infrastructure.
