🔗 Share this article

The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work 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 Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group