After 738 long, painful days, Israel erupted in joy on Monday as the last 20 surviving hostages were finally released from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Across the country, scenes of relief, disbelief, and celebration unfolded. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square — a place that had become a symbol of hope and heartbreak over the past two years — tens of thousands gathered to watch the live broadcast of the release.

It was exactly two years, to the day, since the October 7 attacks — according to the Hebrew calendar. This time, instead of protest chants and candlelight vigils, the square filled with cheers, tears, and champagne corks popping. Strangers hugged, flags waved, and the air buzzed with the sound of pure joy.

Some people waved Israeli and American flags. Others held up signs thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for helping broker the final deal. And many simply stood in silence, taking in the moment that had once felt impossible.

In homes across Israel, families who had spent two years living in fear watched the broadcasts with trembling hands. Parents wept as their children appeared on screen. Brothers and sisters embraced. The sound of crying — this time, tears of joy — echoed through living rooms.

Down south, crowds lined the roads leading to the Re’im military base, where the freed hostages were expected to arrive after being handed over to the Red Cross and transferred to Israeli forces inside Gaza. Families of the released captives made their way to reunite with their loved ones, while supporters cheered and waved as the convoys passed.

For a country that has lived through unimaginable trauma since that dark October day in 2023, this moment — 738 days later — marked a long-awaited glimpse of closure, healing, and hope. Photo by Israeli American Council, Wikimedia commons.