🔗 Share this article

The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept 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 loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

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

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early 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 said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released 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 peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group