Table of Contents
- Nationwide Relief After Hamas Deal
- Hostage Families React: Tears and Frustration
- Why the Delay? Political Tensions and Strategy
- Public Thanks Trump, Private Blame for Netanyahu
- What Happens Next for Hostages and Israel?
- Sources
Nationwide Relief After Hamas Deal
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Israel erupted in spontaneous celebration. After nearly two years of war, grief, and uncertainty, a breakthrough deal with Hamas offered a glimmer of hope: hostages held in Gaza could finally come home.
At 3 a.m., former hostages who had been released during a brief ceasefire earlier this year gathered in Tel Aviv’s renamed “Hostages Square,” hugging, crying, and dancing under fluttering Israeli flags. By sunrise, billboards across the city read: “Thank you President Trump.”
For many Israelis, the announcement marked the end of a national nightmare that began with the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on the Nova music festival—a massacre that claimed over 380 lives and led to the capture of more than 200 people.
Hostage Families React: Tears and Frustration
Families of the remaining captives responded with raw emotion. The Ohel family, whose son Alon was taken from a roadside bomb shelter, issued a statement saying they received the news “with tears of joy.”
Yet beneath the relief simmered a deep frustration. “We’re wrapped in the embrace of all the people of Israel,” they wrote—but notably, they had not yet received official word from Israeli authorities about when or how Alon would be released.
Why the Delay? Political Tensions and Strategy
While the deal has been widely welcomed, many Israelis are asking a painful question: Why did it take this long?
Critics point to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which they accuse of prioritizing military objectives over hostage negotiations for months. Some families believe political infighting and a reluctance to appear “weak” prolonged the suffering of their loved ones.
Yehuda Cohen, father of 21-year-old soldier Nimrod Cohen still held in Gaza, told Channel 12 News: “There should be no doubt—this deal came about solely because of President Trump.” He added that his family felt “betrayed” by their own government.
Public Thanks Trump, Private Blame for Netanyahu
Gratitude toward former U.S. President Donald Trump was visible on billboards and social media—but it also underscored a growing rift between the Israeli public and its leadership.
While Netanyahu was publicly thanked by some families, behind closed doors, many activists and relatives have accused his administration of dragging its feet. The perception is that diplomatic pressure—especially from Washington—forced Israel’s hand more than internal policy ever did.
This tension reflects a broader national reckoning. After 23 months of war, economic strain, and over 1,200 Israeli deaths, citizens are increasingly demanding accountability.
What Happens Next for Hostages and Israel?
The ceasefire deal is expected to unfold in phases:
- Phase 1: Release of critically ill and female hostages
- Phase 2: Gradual return of remaining captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners
- Phase 3: Full withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza
But implementation remains fragile. Hamas has not released full verification of all hostages’ conditions, and hardliners in both camps could still derail the process.
For now, though, Israel is allowing itself a moment of collective catharsis—prayers at the Western Wall, dances in the streets, and quiet hopes that the worst is truly over.
Bottom Line
The Hamas-Israel deal has brought tears of joy—but also a reckoning. As families await their loved ones’ return, the question lingers: Could this have happened sooner? And at what cost did the delay come?
Sources
The New York Times: As Israelis Breathe a Sigh of Relief, Some Ask Why a Deal Took So Long
