Renewed Hope in Tel Aviv as Released Hostages Show Signs of Recovery**

A recent televised handover of three hostages in Tel Aviv sparked tears of joy and relief among locals, contrasting starkly with the previous week’s distressing release of emaciated captives. Advocates and families express hope as the appearance of the newly released hostages indicates better treatment during their captivity.**

Hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square on Saturday to witness the emotional broadcast of three recently released hostages from Gaza. The atmosphere was markedly different from the previous week’s release, which had left many Israelis horrified over the poor physical condition of the captives.

“Three pieces have returned to my heart,” declared Doron Zexer, a notable advocate for the hostages, echoing the collective relief felt among the crowd. Emotions ran high as spectators waved Israeli flags and shed tears of joy during the live handover of Sasha Trupanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn, who were returned to the Red Cross in Gaza.

One attendee, Avishag, shared her emotional response, admitting her fears regarding the potential appearances of the three men. She expressed gratitude for their visibly improved condition compared to the emaciated state of three other hostages released the prior week—a development that had shocked and distressed the nation.

That earlier release had even prompted comparisons to Holocaust survivors, intensifying the urgency for the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to expedite the return of remaining hostages. Hamas had initially threatened to delay further handovers, raising concerns about the fragile cease-fire arrangement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

The contrast between the two releases highlighted not only the physical recovery of the hostages but also the emotional toll such events take on families and supporters. “They at least look like they’re OK, which is comforting,” Avishag reflected, encapsulating the hope that accompanied this latest development amid the ongoing strife.