The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, 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 an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas
