Australia’s Jewish community has gathered in solidarity as the first group of hostages held by Hamas were released in Israel. The moment marks a breakthrough in the U.S.-brokered peace deal, offering relief and hope amid ongoing uncertainty in Gaza.

Dover Heights

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

Middle East Conflict

A significant development has occurred in Israel as the first group of the final 20 living hostages held by Hamas has been released. Families and crowds gathered in Tel Aviv to witness the moment, many seeing their loved ones for the first time in over 700 days. The handover of hostages to the Red Cross and then to the Israeli Defense Forces marks the initial phase of a peace agreement brokered by the US president. 

While the ceasefire is currently holding, Israeli troops remain in Gaza and security concerns persist. In Gaza, internal tensions and clashes continue, with many Palestinians facing dire conditions and uncertainty about the future. The release has been met with cautious optimism both in Israel and among Jewish communities abroad, as hopes rise for a lasting peace.

Australian Jewish community welcomes release of Gaza hostages

And this is such a massive day for Israelis, as you said, 737 days they have been waiting for this moment. And we are just moments away from the first group of these final 20 living hostages being released. Look at the size of this crowd here. We've been told there are tens of thousands of people here, and we have been here with this crowd for hours as we watch these big screens, waiting for the moment that these hostages are finally released. We've been watching as we've been informed that they have been handed to the Red Cross. We've also been informed that they've now been handed to the IDF, and we've been told that they are minutes away from being able to see these hostages on the screen. Keep in mind that for some of the hostages, Hamas had released videos, which was proof to the families that they were still alive, that they were healthy. But for other hostages, there has been no video evidence at all up until this point. So for people watching here, particularly family and friends of those hostages, this will be the first time they will be able to physically see their loved ones in two years. And for those standing here now, what we've been witnessing is just overwhelming emotions. There's been tears, there's been clapping, cheering as we've heard so much emotion, because so much has gone into this. For the past two years, many Israelis have spent every Saturday night here in this square, protesting and pushing for the government to get their hostages back. So the fact that it's happening now, as we've seen from the reaction from the crowd, it is just a massive moment for Israel. From the dark depths of Hamas captivity, to the warm embrace of a nation that never gave up hope. After more than 700 days in captivity, hostages are coming home to a warm bed, safe surroundings, and loved ones, both old and new. I'm on my way to Re'im, to meet my son Imrod, after more than two years. I'm so excited, I'm full of happiness, and it's hard to imagine how I feel at this moment. The mass handover, the first crucial phase of a peace deal brokered by the US president, who has declared... The war is over, OK, you understand that? But Israeli troops are still in Gaza, operating along the agreed lines, the ceasefire holding for now. The battle is not over, the Israeli Prime Minister warns, there are serious security challenges ahead. In Gaza, internal tensions are flaring, with dozens killed in clashes, as Hamas fights to maintain control. Life is slowly returning to the Strip, but the situation is still desperate. There is not enough aid for hungry Palestinians, and for many, the long journey home is ending in misery. What's left of Nael Abbas's belongings can fit on this wheelchair. The 60-year-old walking for hours, only to find his family home flattens. Shall we sleep on the rubble, he asks, what shall we do? Many Palestinians aren't convinced the fragile ceasefire will hold, some stockpiling supplies in case the latest deal falls apart. A world away in Australia, the Jewish community is praying this is the start of a new dawn. It means more than words can actually express, knowing that the hostages are coming home and seeing the Australian Jewish community come together to celebrate that is really a beautiful thing. Cautious optimism as the Middle East moves closer to lasting peace. In Tel Aviv, Kari Greenbank, 10 News.

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Australian Jewish community welcomes release of Gaza hostages

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