🔗 Share this article

The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.

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

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister 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 exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, 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 captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas