Heartbreaking homecoming: Israelis defy weather to embrace hostages
Hundreds of flag-bearing Israelis flock to Hostage Square and main roads in heavy rain, awaiting the convoy that will transport the coffins of the four hostages.
In a poignant display of solidarity despite the rain, crowds gathered on Thursday morning at the Hostages Square to witness the somber return of the dead hostages. The bodies of Shiri Bibas-Silverman, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz were returned to Israel on Thursday.
Video: Vehicles carrying the coffins have entered Israeli territory – en route for identification procedures. Credit: Israel Police
During these painful moments, as four deceased hostages are being returned, large numbers of people have assembled at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Simultaneously, in communities near the Gaza border, dozens of Israelis are standing in heavy rain, awaiting the convoy that will transport the coffins of the four hostages.
Video: Israelis await the caskets of the four dead hostages / Credit: Shmuel Buchris
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1. A Batman pop doll and a teddy bear with a orange heart drawn on it in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, in memory of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, on February 20, 2025. Photo credit: Gideon Markowicz
2. A woman cries in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square in Israel, on February 20, 2025. Photo credit: Gideon Markowicz
3. Women embrace each other in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square in Israel, on February 20, 2025
4. A woman holds orange and yellow balloons, representing the dead members of the Bibas family and remaining hostages in Gaza, in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square in Israel, on February 20, 2025. Photo credit: Gideon Markowicz
5. Dozens of Israelis are standing in heavy rain, awaiting the convoy that will transport the coffins of the four hostages. Photo credit: Courtesy
6. Israelis gather in Hostage Square as four deceased hostages are being returned. Photo credit:
