Former hostage Tal Shoham said at a rally in Hostages Square: "It's happening now. We can say with great relief that the good we've been hoping for is truly approaching. Our brothers and sister are coming closer and returning - and with great pain I see closure for the families of the fallen, who will finally get a proper farewell. I want to dedicate a moment to your pain. I know how complex and frightening this is, and hope that soon all your loved ones will return for dignified burial in our country." He shared that "outside captivity, I rediscovered my people. I discovered Israelis, Jews in Israel and in the diaspora. Despite the great divide and disagreements – we are one people. In Gaza they fought for us, and in the streets of Israel they fought for us. This is our mutual responsibility – this is our DNA. We don't leave anyone behind."