🔗 Share this article Celebratory Displays and a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Deal Bringing Back Captives The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief across Israel. A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”. The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza. To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued. Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing. The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.” “It’s a magical day,” the woman said. Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing. “I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.” LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues Families Celebrate with Fireworks The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home. “They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child. Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.” The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement. Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman. Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.” The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza. “I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said. He said he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning. Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling. Cautious Optimism from Family Members Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”. “We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented. However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate. “Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said. “Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once 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 freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year. Associated Updates ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas