It was joyful tears in the Middle East on Monday as 20 remaining living hostages in Gaya were returned to Israel.
250 Palestinian prisoners and more than 1,700 detainees held by Israel were also released as they arrived in buses to a cheering crowd in Gaza.
The development comes after a US brokered ceasefire in which all parties committed to release hostages and begin steps toward lasting peace.
Several world leaders have celebrated the achievement which ends month of expectations from families of hostages who have been kept for nearly 2 years.
While the cheers were ongoing, families whose relatives returned in body bags expressed anger after only 4 bodies were returned, while 8 were expected.
Before the dust settled, world leaders welcomed the release of hostages.
US President, Donald Trump says “together, we’ve shown that peace is not just the hope that we can dream about, it’s a reality.”
For former House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, “the ceasefire between Israel & Hamas and the release of all hostages gives hope for what comes next after unbearable suffering. We must now ensure full humanitarian access in Gaza and a path to a two-state solution where Israelis & Palestinians can live in security and dignity.”
Former US president, Joe Biden commended President Trump for achieving a ceasefire, highlighting his administration’s work to lay the foundation.
“I am deeply grateful and relieved that this day has come – for the last living 20 hostages who have been through unimaginable hell and are finally reunited with their families and loved ones and for the war. the civilians in Gaza who have experienced immeasurable loss,” he posted on X.
UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, also on X says “commitment to this plan from all parties will be essential to ending the war and building the foundation for a sustainable path to a long-term peace. The UK will support the crucial next stage of talks to ensure the implementation of the peace sign.”
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi welcomed the release of the hostages arguing that “their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu.”
ECOWAS Chair, and president of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio has also welcomed the release, urging full humanitarian access in Gaza, protection of civilians and a credible path to lasting peace.
UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres says the United Nations and its partners are rapidly scaling up operations to deliver ‘life-saving assistance.’
“With the ceasefire in effect, the people of Gaza & Israel are beginning to glimpse the fragile hope of calm after months of devastation,” he said on X.
While commendations grow louder, questions linger on whether the release of hostages will lead to lasting peace in the Middle East.
