🔗 Share this article

The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard 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 loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas