🔗 Share this article Celebratory Displays and a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement to Return Hostages The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort across the nation. A group 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—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region. So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue. Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing. A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.” “It’s a magical day,” the woman said. Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing. “I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.” LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home. “They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter. Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.” The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement. Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to 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 captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza. “I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed. He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back. Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling. Guarded Hope from Relatives Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”. “We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished 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. However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate. “Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed. “Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.” Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year. Related Developments ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas