🔗 Share this article

The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

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

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law 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 accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. 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 back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas