Netanyahu's handwritten welcome for freed hostages
Israeli hostages received handwritten welcome messages from Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife upon their release from Gaza. The men returned as part of the ceasefire agreement and underwent medical checks before reuniting with families.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara prepared handwritten welcome messages for hostages returning from Gaza. The men received these personal notes during their emotional reunions with families.
Twenty male hostages were released on Monday as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. These men had been held captive since the October 7 terrorist attacks.
Military helicopters transported the freed hostages from the Re'im military base to hospitals for medical examinations. At the base, they embraced loved ones for the first time in weeks.
The handwritten message from the Netanyahus read: "On behalf of the entire Israeli people, welcome back. We have been waiting for you. We welcome you." The note carried the official stamp of the Prime Minister's Office.
Why does this personal gesture matter? Handwritten messages from world leaders remain rare in modern diplomacy. The personal touch contrasts with the formal nature of most government communications.
The welcome packages and medical checks reflect Israel's standard protocol for returning citizens. This systematic approach shows the country's focus on both emotional support and physical wellbeing.