🔗 Share this article

The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages 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 come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives 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 cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, 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, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group