🔗 Share this article

The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli 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 serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and 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 before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

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 President Trump and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas