🔗 Share this article

The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, 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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could 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 celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas