Scenes of celebration erupted across Israel as the last remaining hostages held in Gaza for 738 days were reunited with their families, marking a significant milestone in the peace process. The release of 20 living hostages came as part of a deal brokered to end the two-year phase of conflict, with Hamas also agreeing to hand over the remains of those killed. However, the families of 28 deceased hostages face renewed anguish, as only four bodies are expected to be returned immediately, with Hamas admitting difficulty in locating all the remains due to the devastation in Gaza.

A multinational task force is being established to search for the missing bodies, highlighting the ongoing challenges in fully resolving the aftermath of the conflict. The successful return of the hostages was met with widespread jubilation, with public gatherings and emotional reunions broadcast across the country. The peace deal, reinforced by international mediation, has brought hope for lasting calm, though the unresolved fate of the deceased continues to weigh heavily on many families.