🔗 Share this article

The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief across the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

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

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning 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’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group