Savannah’s Mayor Van Johnson responds to release of hostages

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Monday, Israeli hostages were freed from Hamas captivity and Palestinian prisoners were let out of Israeli jails.

LATEST: Israel plans to halve aid into Gaza over slow return of dead hostages, a test for the Gaza ceasefire

All of this following the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza.

During his weekly news conference, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson responded to the release of hostages.

He says this is a day of celebration for families as well as the beginning of the grieving process for those who will receive the remains of their departed loved ones.

“We join with our Jewish neighbors here in Savannah and with people of good will around the world in recognizing a moment of profound relief and cautious hope. The historic release of the Israeli hostages and the news of an apparent end to the war marks a turning point not only for the world, but for humanity.”

Monday evening, Savannah’s Jewish community celebrated the release of 20 living hostages.

SEE: Savannah’s Jewish community celebrates and honors release of 20 living hostages