🔗 Share this article

The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, 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 are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

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

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas