By Yael Ben Horin
Tel Aviv (EFE).- Hundreds of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square on Thursday to celebrate with dancing and singing the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the 48 hostages.
“Today is the last day here! Soon, no more doughnuts will be sold in the square!” shouts a street vendor, pushing through the crowd. His call is met with hoots and laughter as people hand him coins for bottles of water.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, the area known as Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square has been the operational headquarters for the families of those kidnapped and killed.
Retirees and reservists
Hundreds of Israelis come and go throughout the workday to celebrate the imminent return of the 48 hostages, only an estimated 20 of whom are still alive.
Personal Stories: Joy and Relief Amidst the Conflict
“We woke up with joy because the most important thing to us is for the hostages to return home. Then, if the war stops, even better. And if the government is overthrown, even better,” said Emma, a Spanish woman married to an Israeli citizen who has lived in Israel for 30 years.
Behind her, a choir of women sings songs accompanied by Ester, a retiree in her 70s who taps out the rhythm on a plastic chair.
“I came from far away, from the north, to celebrate this day. These past two years have felt like 10,” she said.
“Today, it is our duty to be happy. Today, the circle closes. I haven’t stopped praying for this moment. The candle shops have gotten rich thanks to me,” Ester said.
“God bless you!” she expressed to a reservist who watched the choir with a smile as he adjusted his weapon.
“My two grandchildren are stationed in Gaza now,” said the elderly woman.
“That’s where I’m coming from. I still have dirt-stained boots,” the soldier replied. The green of his uniform is barely visible under the grime. Esther leaned over and kissed his hands.
He is not the only Israeli soldier expected to leave the Gaza Strip in the coming weeks. Donald Trump’s proposal stipulates a first withdrawal of troops to the so-called “yellow line,” followed by a withdrawal to the buffer zone (the periphery of the dividing line within the enclave).
Gaza, a holiday city
The Day After: Contrasting Visions for Gaza’s Future
Not much is said in the square about what the future holds for Gaza after the offensive. The enclave is ravaged, with 90% of its buildings destroyed, including hospitals, schools, and homes, and over 67,000 people dead, most of them civilians, according to the enclave’s Ministry of Health.
Internationally, there is a consensus that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, and people have mobilized worldwide against the killing of Palestinian children. Gazan authorities estimated that over 20,000 children have died.
While some people wave white banners adorned with the peace symbol, others shout that Gaza “will be a holiday city,” following Trump’s idea of turning the Mediterranean enclave into a luxury tourist resort.
Geraldine, originally from Tel Aviv, insisted that this is not today’s principal concern.
“The only thing that matters today, is celebrating the first reason for hope in a long time,” she said.
“Tomorrow is my birthday, and this is the best gift I could have asked for,” she added, smiling. “It brings light to an end a painful cycle for everyone. I am happy.” EFE
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