🔗 Share this article

The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return 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 Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group