🔗 Share this article Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice over Agreement to Return Captives The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel. A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”. The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region. So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued. Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed. The gathering started applauding 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, cried while observing the crowd dancing. “I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.” REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home. “They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter. Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.” The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement. Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv. Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.” The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza. “I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed. He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back. Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother. Cautious Optimism from Family Members Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”. “We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said. However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice. “Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed. “So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.” Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year. Associated Updates ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group