“There is a psychological war”: in Tel Aviv, the uncertainty over the fate of the hostages prolongs the anguish of the Israelis

After 50 days of captivity in the Gaza Strip, a second group of hostages was released on Saturday evening. 17 people – 13 Israelis and four Thais – had been detained by Hamas since October 7, the day of the bloody attack on Israel. A release which was delayed for many hours, Hamas accusing Israel of not respecting the terms of the agreement. A twist and uncertainty over the fate of the hostages which is now plunging Israelis back into anxiety.

“Hamas has the reputation of an organization that does not respect any deal”

Mikhail is waiting for the good news, that of the announcement of the release of another group of hostages in which his brother, held in Gaza, would be. On the large esplanade where the families of the hostages gather, in the center of Tel Aviv, screens broadcast images of the Egyptian Rafah terminal through which the hostages are due to arrive. The young man hears the news live, Hamas is delaying their release. “Frankly, it’s not a surprise to me. I knew something like this was going to happen. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time. Hamas has a reputation as an organization that doesn’t honor any deal and lies to everyone,” he says.

“They know where to press”

For Doris, her eyes blazing with anger, it is indeed impossible to trust the terrorist group in negotiations. “We are not dealing with a normal interlocutor, in quotes. We see that there is a psychological war and they know where to press,” she says.

The thousands of people gathered on the esplanade of the Museum of Fine Arts applaud when it is finally announced that the release of 13 Israeli hostages will take place.