The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.
A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
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 pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.
He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
