Hamas freed all six Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of the deal. The handover of five hostages occurred through staged ceremonies where one of the captive’s actions surprised everyone.
The exchange occurred amid the rising tensions between the opposing sides casting uncertainty over the delicate truce agreement.
At Nuseirat’s centre, the three hostages – Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen were presented alongside fighters on stage. At the stage, Omer Shem Tov kissed two militants next to him on the head and then blew kisses to the crowd.”
These public presentations have drawn significant criticism, with Israeli authorities, the United Nations, and the Red Cross stating that such displays are inhumane and fail to maintain the captives’ dignity.
‘505 days of worry, fear and missing him’: Tov’s kin
Malki Shem Tov described his son Omer’s broad smile during the Hamas propaganda handover to the Red Cross as typical of his character, Times of Israel reported.
Speaking via video call from the meeting point whilst waiting for his son, Shem Tov tells Channel 12 that despite being thinner, Omer maintains his characteristically positive disposition.
“We didn’t even know what he would look like. He just came out and surprised us all, with the smile, the wave — it’s just crazy,” he says.
The father expresses relief after the ordeal, stating: “505 days of worry, 505 days of fear and of missing him… our life’s mission is complete.” He acknowledges that whilst their personal journey has ended, the broader mission continues until all hostages return.
At their Herzliya home, Omer’s grandmother Sara notes that his smile is quintessentially him, adding: “That’s Omer… He’s just that kind of kid… He gets on with everyone. Even Hamas… They love him even there.”
His brother Amit confirms: “He’s always, always positive.”
During the staged handover event, Hamas cameramen instructed Shem Tov to kiss two masked gunmen on their heads whilst filming the exchange.
Omer’s sister Dana expresses overwhelming joy: “It’s the happiest day of my life. You saw this whole time what we’ve said about Omer, and now you see who Omer is. I’m just waiting to get to the hospital and not let go.”
