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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return 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—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

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

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

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

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

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer 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”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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 are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas