With 39 hostages released as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, Israelis waver between joy and concern. Joy because the release of hostages comes as a relief, especially in regard to small children, many of whom saw their parents murdered on that fateful October day. With 39 hostages released as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, Israelis waver between joy and concern.

Joy because the release of hostages comes as a relief, especially in regard to small children, many of whom saw their parents murdered on that fateful October day. Concern, however, lingers as the negotiations continue, and questions arise regarding the bigger picture: does the ceasefire give Hamas a chance to retrench and rearm? Doesn’t negotiating with terrorists empower them? These uncertainties weigh heavily on the minds of Israelis, even as they celebrate the freedom of those who were once held captive.