🔗 Share this article

The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

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

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 exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

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

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: 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