Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Sunday, eagerly awaiting the release of hostages held in Gaza. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff addressed the crowd at Hostages Square, where he commended their strength and courage, drawing loud cheers from attendees. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Palestinians returned to their devastated homes as a ceasefire entered its second day.

The 72-hour window for the hostage release is set to conclude on Monday. Witkoff, accompanied by Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, who played significant roles in negotiating the ceasefire, expressed hope for the hostages' return. "I dreamed of this night. It's been a long journey," Witkoff said. However, when he mentioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the crowd responded with boos, reflecting widespread frustration over the government's handling of the situation.

Many Israelis hold Netanyahu responsible for not securing the hostages' release sooner. Witkoff's praise for Arab leaders involved in peace talks also met with skepticism from the crowd. He stated that the hostages would be returning on Monday and emphasized that Israelis owe gratitude to former President Trump for his involvement. "Only Trump," one woman said when asked about the deal's success. Another young man, Yuval, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We couldn't have done it without the help of Trump."

Witkoff addressed the hostages directly, saying, "As you return to the embrace of your families and your nation, know that all of Israel and the entire world stands ready to welcome you home with open arms and endless love." The Israeli military is preparing to receive 20 hostages who are alive and the bodies of 26 others confirmed dead. The fate of two additional hostages remains unknown. In a reciprocal arrangement, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will also be released following the hostages' return, including 250 specifically named by Israel.

As the ceasefire took effect on Friday, thousands of Palestinians who had fled south began returning to the north, only to find their homes in ruins. Mahmoud Abu-Sharia described the devastation, saying, "We returned yesterday and found the house destroyed. There are no necessities of life here — no water, no food, no drink. I don't know where to bring my sons and daughters to live."

Israeli troops have withdrawn to designated positions outside major urban areas but still control about half of the Gaza Strip. Umm Mohammad el-Dahdouh, 48, lamented the loss of her home, stating, "They were living and coexisting here, and when they finished their mission, they blew up the houses. Here we are in the street — we don't have land anymore, or homes or anything, and we don't know what to do."

The destruction in Gaza is extensive, with over 67,000 people reported killed and many more trapped under rubble. Abu-Sharia noted that his neighbors have been searching for their children for weeks. El-Dahdouh and her children are attempting to clear debris from what was once their home, expressing despair over their living conditions. "How are we going to live in this cold weather, with no ceiling, no roof, no nothing?" she asked.

El-Dahdouh called for urgent assistance, demanding that Palestinians be provided with tents, clothing, and bedding. "I don't even have a tent or water containers. If I wanted to go get some from far away, there are no roads to use," she said.

Hundreds of trucks carrying food and medical supplies are expected to arrive in Gaza as part of the ceasefire agreement. Abu-Sharia expressed hope for the future, saying, "We are demanding that the world have mercy on our children, to see what the Palestinian people need, because here in Gaza we have been completely destroyed. God willing, this ceasefire will hold, and people will find accommodation to shelter in rather than be homeless."