🔗 Share this article

The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and relief across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

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

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 cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things 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 make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken 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.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas