Relief in Israel as Newly Released Hostages Appear to Be in Better Shape

During this bright morning, there were noticeably fewer people gathered in Hostages Square compared to previous release days. Naama Moses, a volunteer supporting the Hostages and Missing Families Forum by selling merchandise, attributed this to the sorrow many felt upon seeing the three men who were recently freed.

“Perhaps it would be easier to contain your disappointment at home, in front of the TV, by yourself,” Ms. Moses remarked.

Dr. Hagai Levine, the leader of the medical team for the hostage families group, noted that although the men released on Saturday were able to talk and walk on their own, it was clear from the release video that they required medical attention. “They will need to undergo thorough examinations now,” he stated.

Dr. Levine shared that those recently released had provided harrowing accounts of the conditions of the hostages still in Gaza. “Being in captivity for nearly 500 days has taken a severe toll on their health,” he said. “Time is of the essence, they may not survive the coming weeks.”

The fear of the cease-fire negotiations collapsing worried families whose loved ones were not scheduled for release during the current phase of the agreement, set to end early next month.

“There is apprehension,” expressed Mr. Zexer, whose family had hosted the Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander during his service in Israel. “We are living through a reality show that even the devil couldn’t have imagined.”

Mr. Zexer described the tension and uncertainty between each week’s release, stating that “the hostages are bearing the brunt of it.”

Viki Cohen, the mother of an Israeli soldier still held captive in Gaza, conveyed in an interview that the happiness of seeing three more hostages freed was tempered by anguish and uncertainty.

“We are on an emotional roller coaster,” Ms. Cohen said, revealing that she had recently received confirmation that her son Nimrod was still alive. He was not among those expected to be released in the initial phase of the cease-fire. “We are doing everything we can for his safe return,” she affirmed.

Even after the Red Cross departed with the newly released men, en route to Israel, the crowd at Hostages Square remained, holding up pictures of those still in captivity in a subdued show of solidarity.

“It’s overwhelming to be here, feeling the warmth and love,” shared Jennifer Brandeis, a visitor from Virginia. “Being together – it means everything to me.”