🔗 Share this article

The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, 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 a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel 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’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas