🔗 Share this article

The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

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

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness 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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, 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 captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement 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 | The group