🔗 Share this article Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Rejoice at Deal to Return Captives The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout the nation. A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”. The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region. To date, 148 hostages have been returned—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 have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed. A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.” “It’s a magical day,” she expressed. A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing. “I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.” LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet Families Celebrate with Fireworks The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming. “They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child. Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.” The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement. Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman. Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.” The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza. “I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed. He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back. Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother. Guarded Hope from Family Members Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”. “We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said. However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate. “Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said. “Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.” Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed 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 peace deal Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group