The sight of frail, emaciated hostages released last week deeply unsettled Israel. But on Saturday, a crowd in Tel Aviv reacted with relief as three more captives were freed from Gaza in visibly better condition.
Hundreds gathered in Hostages Square, waving Israeli flags and shedding tears of joy as they watched the televised handover of Sasha Trupanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Iair Horn to the Red Cross. It was a stark contrast to the previous week’s release, which had drawn comparisons to Holocaust survivors and fueled pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accelerate negotiations for the remaining captives.
“Three pieces have returned to my heart,” said Doron Zexer, a leading advocate for the hostages, as the crowd watched the exchange.
The condition of the hostages freed last week had sent shock waves across Israel, intensifying calls for urgent action. Hamas had briefly threatened to halt further releases, jeopardizing the fragile cease-fire. However, Saturday’s transfer proceeded as planned.
Despite the relief, the turnout in Tel Aviv appeared smaller than in past weeks. Naama Moses, a volunteer with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, suggested that many may have chosen to watch from home, still shaken by the distressing images of the previous release.
Dr. Hagai Levine, who leads the medical team for the hostage families, noted that while the three men released Saturday were able to walk and talk, they would require thorough medical evaluations.
“Captivity for nearly 500 days causes severe health damage,” he said. “They don’t have time—they may not survive the next weeks.”
With the current phase of the cease-fire agreement set to expire next month, families of hostages who remain in Gaza are increasingly anxious.
“We are living in a reality show that even the devil couldn’t have conceived,” said Zexer, who previously hosted Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander during his military service.
For some, the joy of Saturday’s release was overshadowed by uncertainty. Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod remains in captivity, said the emotional highs and lows have been relentless.
“We are on a crazy roller coaster,” she said, adding that her family is doing everything possible to secure his return.
Even after the Red Cross vehicles carrying the freed men departed for Israel, many in Hostages Square stayed behind, holding pictures of those still missing—a somber yet determined display of solidarity.
“It’s overwhelming to be here, the warmth and the love,” said Jennifer Brandeis, a visitor from Virginia. “Being together—it’s everything to me.”