Saturday, March 29, 2025
Israel Celebrates “Diwali” of Freedom: Hamas Releases First Batch of 7 Hostages, Nation Rejoices with Tears of Joy
After two years of intense conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement, marking a major turning point in the Gaza war. Under the deal, Hamas began releasing the remaining 20 Israeli hostages, starting Sunday with the first batch of seven, sparking scenes of emotional celebration across Israel.
For Israelis, the day felt like “Diwali” — a festival of light after years of darkness. Streets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem filled with singing, dancing, and tears of relief as the first group of freed hostages returned home. According to the Associated Press, the seven released hostages have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for transfer and medical evaluation. Their current health condition remains undisclosed.
As per the ceasefire terms, Hamas must release all 20 remaining hostages in multiple phases, while Israel will free more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in its jails.
The first group includes Galei Berman, Zeev Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. Israeli media reported that all released hostages will undergo psychological and physical assessments before reuniting with their families.
Hamas on Monday morning released a list of 20 living hostages to be freed and a separate list of over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners who will be released by Israel under the exchange terms.
At Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, thousands gathered overnight to await the Red Cross convoys. Television channels broadcast continuous coverage, while major buildings lit up in blue and white — the colors of the Israeli flag. Mayor Ron Huldai said, “The whole country hasn’t slept. It feels like witnessing a miracle.”
Crowds chanted slogans of peace and unity, calling the day “the beginning of healing.” Families of hostages held signs reading, “Welcome home — our light has returned.”
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, “The war in Gaza is over.” He departed for Israel, followed by a planned visit to Egypt to co-chair a high-level peace summit with regional and international leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “This is a very special trip. The ceasefire and hostage release mark a historic step forward.” U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Trump might meet some of the freed hostages during his visit.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X (formerly Twitter) that he had instructed the military to prepare operations to destroy Hamas’s tunnel network under Gaza following the hostages’ safe release. He added that the mission would be supported by an international task force led by the United States.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Embassy in India and other missions abroad are closely monitoring the situation, while global leaders have welcomed the ceasefire as a “crucial humanitarian milestone.”
For many Israelis, the release of the first seven hostages has brought not only relief but also a renewed sense of faith. As fireworks lit up Tel Aviv’s skyline, one mother whose son is still in captivity said, “This feels like the first light of dawn — our Diwali of freedom has begun.”
