Hundreds celebrate in Berlin after hostages freed from Gaza

Several hundred people gathered in central Berlin to celebrate the release of the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Monday.

Earlier, Hamas handed over the 20 remaining living hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross. They were taken back to Israel after 738 days in captivity.

There, they received medical checks, showers and new clothing, before being reunited with their families.

Berlin police estimated around 500 people attended the “Coming Home” rally in the late afternoon. Many wore a symbol of solidarity with the people kidnapped by Hamas.

A singer performed on stage and the well-known Berlin rabbi Yehuda Teichtal danced.

Germany’s Commissioner for Anti-Semitism, Felix Klein, and the President of the German-Israeli Society, Volker Beck, gave short speeches marking the return of the hostages.