🔗 Share this article Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight at Deal to Return Captives The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and comfort across Israel. An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”. The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza. To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued. Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing. The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.” “It’s a magical day,” she expressed. A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating. “I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.” REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home. “They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child. Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.” The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news. Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv. 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, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza. “I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said. He said he was “broken” 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 returning. Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling. Cautious Optimism from Family Members 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 the President and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented. But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate. “Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said. “So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.” Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year. Related Developments ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas