Well-wishers gather to celebrate hostages' return outside Re'im base

Dozens of flag-waving Israelis are gathering outside the Re’im military base near Gaza, cheering on families arriving to be reunited with their loved ones and waiting to welcome the freed hostages once they make their way to hospitals in central Israel.

Several people are gathered on the road directly outside the base, across from an idling convoy of Magen David Adom emergency vehicles and police cruisers. Some dance and clap as cars pass them by.

Others celebrating the hostages’ return are expected to line other parts of Route 232, the main highway in the area, forming a cordon to salute those returning from two years of captivity.