🔗 Share this article

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

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

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, 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 news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems 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 remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas