🔗 Share this article

The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and relief across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

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

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

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas