🔗 Share this article

The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when 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 in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group