🔗 Share this article

The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under 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 as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group