🔗 Share this article

The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism 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 on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas