Trump announces the “historic dawn of a new Middle East” in his speech in the Knesset after Netanyahu’s speech

The scene in the hostage square

I’m Crystal Jumansingh, CBC correspondent in the hostage square in Tel Aviv.

The Israelis fill every available inch of the square. Concrete barriers, intended to keep large tents in place, have become pedestals for people hoping to get a better view of television broadcast screens of daily events.

People cried, cheered and hugged as the first group of hostages were transferred into the care of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

All 20 survivors of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks were released by midday. Operation Homecoming, as the Israeli military called it, brought a sense of unity and jubilation that thousands in the field said they desperately needed.

For two years, Hostage Square has been the place where Israelis gather to demand that their government end the war in Gaza and return all the hostages.

Somehow, the crowd got close to some of the survivors.

Several helicopters flew over the square. The crowd erupted. Hands flew in the air, some holding mobile phones to capture the moment while others waved madly.

The scene led to more tears and hugs. A woman dressed in bright orange walked past the television set and smiled at us as she said, “What a day, what a day.”

Many here today and over the past two years accuse Netanyahu of not ending the war sooner, thus prolonging the suffering of the hostages, their families and Israeli citizens in general.