🔗 Share this article

The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and comfort across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at 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 saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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 their return home to their families.”

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, 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 on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas