🔗 Share this article

The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and relief across the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried 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 loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage 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 exclaimed while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

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

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group