The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and comfort across Israel.
A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
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