🔗 Share this article Celebratory Displays and a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and relief throughout Israel. A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”. The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region. To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue. Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed. The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.” “It’s a magical day,” the woman said. A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating. “I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.” REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues Families Celebrate with Fireworks The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming. “They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter. Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.” The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news. Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv. Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.” The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza. “I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed. He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back. Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother. Guarded Hope from Relatives Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”. “We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented. However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice. “Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed. “So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all 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 southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year. Associated Updates ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group