Israel celebrates. For the first time in ages, peace with Hamas seems closer than ever. Hamas and Israel have agreed on the first phase of a peace deal. American President Donald Trump reported this on his Truth Social platform. This will be officially signed in Egypt on Thursday.
The Israeli hostages may be released by Hamas as early as Saturday, finally returning to their homeland after two years.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman held by Hamas for more than a year and released in January, posted a video on Instagram of herself dancing and hugging with friends — including fellow hostage Romi Gonen. The group toasts to “L’chaim,” Hebrew for “to life.”
Eli Sharabi, who lost his wife and two daughters in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 and was later freed himself, wrote on social media: “Great joy, I can’t wait to see everyone home.”
Vicky Cohen, the mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared her hope, saying: “My child, you are coming home.”