🔗 Share this article

The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything 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.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening 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 are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group