Joy and Anger in Israel as Hostages Return, but Families Demand Answers Over Delayed Remains  

Israel erupted in joy on Monday as the last 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were released and reunited with their families. The hostages, who were abducted during Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, were welcomed back with tears of joy and celebrations across the country.

However, amidst the jubilation, families of the deceased hostages expressed outrage and frustration as Hamas failed to return all the bodies of the dead hostages as agreed upon in the ceasefire deal. According to the agreement, Hamas was supposed to hand over the remains of 27 hostages who died in captivity, but only four bodies were returned on Monday.

The Hostages and Missing Families' Forum expressed shock and dismay, stating that the news was met with "shock and dismay" and accused Hamas of "brazenly violating the agreement." The families of the deceased hostages demanded that the Israeli government and mediators take immediate action to ensure the return of the remaining bodies.

"We expect the Israeli government and the mediators to act immediately to remedy this terrible injustice," said Yael Adar, mother of Tamir Adar, who was killed on October 7. "We will not give up on a single hostage. The mediators must enforce the terms of the deal and exact a price from Hamas for this breach."

The return of the living hostages was met with widespread celebrations, with families and friends greeting them with tears of joy and banners reading "Welcome home." The hostages were transferred to the Red Cross and then taken to hospitals for medical care and reunification with their families.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who brokered the ceasefire deal, received a standing ovation from Israeli lawmakers as a massive crowd in Tel Aviv erupted in joy and song. However, the families of the deceased hostages are urging Trump not to forget them, with Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, saying, "We will also highlight the mission is not complete, and we will not be able to begin to rehabilitate without the last deceased hostage returned to his family."

The ceasefire deal, which led to the release of the hostages, also involves the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. As Israel grapples with the aftermath of the hostage crisis, the families of the deceased hostages are demanding closure and justice.

Credit - BBC News