🔗 Share this article Fireworks and a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Agreement to Return Captives The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and relief throughout the nation. A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”. The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza. So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued. Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed. The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.” “This is a wondrous day,” the woman said. Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating. “I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.” REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming. “They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter. Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.” The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement. Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman. Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.” The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza. “I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed. He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning. Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling. Cautious Optimism from Family Members Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”. “We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented. However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate. “Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed. “Numerous events can happen until the last moment which 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 will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.” Eitan was captured 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. Related Developments ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas