The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage 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 as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.
Released Captives 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 advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.
He said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. 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 are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
