🔗 Share this article

The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... 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 of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

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 been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas