🔗 Share this article

The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas