# Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hoped Israel would mark a “day of national joy” starting Monday night, when all living and deceased hostages are expected to be returned from Gaza. He said in a televised statement that two years ago the Simhat Torah holiday became a day of national mourning, but now with God’s help, it will be a day of national joy, celebrating the return of 20 live hostages from Gaza, while 28 are deceased. The Jewish festival starts on Monday at nightfall.
Netanyahu hopes to celebrate return of hostages on Jewish holiday Monday