🔗 Share this article Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Delight at Deal Bringing Back Captives The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout Israel. An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”. The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region. To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue. Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing. The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.” “It’s a magical day,” the woman said. Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating. “I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.” REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues Families Celebrate with Fireworks The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming. “They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter. Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.” The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement. Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, 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 hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza. “I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long 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 captives who are at last returning. Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling. Guarded Hope from Family Members Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”. “We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented. However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice. “Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said. “So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.” Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year. Related Developments ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group