The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
- REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
- Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
- ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues
Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release 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.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... 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 simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas
