🔗 Share this article Celebratory Displays and a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice over Agreement Bringing Back Captives The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and relief across Israel. A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”. The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza. So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue. Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing. The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.” “It’s a magical day,” she expressed. A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing. “I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.” REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home. “They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter. Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.” The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement. Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv. Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.” Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with 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 now it’s here,” he said. He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back. Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling. Cautious Optimism from Family Members Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”. “We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented. But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate. “Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed. “Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.” Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year. Associated Updates ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas