🔗 Share this article

The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in 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 “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in 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 can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas