🔗 Share this article Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement to Return Captives The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation. A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”. The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region. So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued. Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing. A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.” “This is a wondrous day,” the woman said. A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating. “I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.” REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics 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 on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter. Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.” The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement. Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman. Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.” Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza. “I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed. He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning. Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling. Guarded Hope from Relatives Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”. “We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented. But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice. “Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said. “Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.” Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year. Related Developments ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group