President Donald Trump’s announcement of a long-awaited agreement to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza for over two years has sparked widespread joy and relief throughout Israel.
The Deal
The agreement, which requires approval from Israel’s war cabinet, includes:
Release of 20 living hostages
Return of 28 bodies of deceased hostages
Exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences
Release of 1,700 detainees from Gaza
To date, 148 hostages have been returned through previous deals and rescue operations, with 51 bodies recovered and eight hostages rescued.
Jubilant Celebrations in Tel Aviv
Hundreds gathered at Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv, where the atmosphere turned festive as news of the deal spread. Crowds danced beneath Israeli and American flags, with one woman holding a sign reading “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she said.
Fifty-year-old Yael wept tears of relief as she watched the celebrations. “I’m very excited—it’s such a relief. We need to see them come back home to their families.”
Families React
The Zangauker Family
Einav Zangauker and her daughter lit fireworks upon learning that Matan would be coming home. “They’re coming back! Matan is coming home!” she exclaimed while embracing her daughter.
The Cohen Family
Viki Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared her emotions on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
Inbar Goldstein
Having lost her brother and niece in the October 7 attacks while her sister-in-law and three children were taken hostage (later released in November 2023), Inbar described the moment as “the beginning of the end.”
“We’ve been suffocating for the past two years,” she said. “I declared I’m going to learn the steps and join the dance circles but only when I see the hostages come back. Today, I’m not dancing, I’m standing still and smiling, but soon I’ll dance.”
Rotem Cooper
Both of Rotem’s parents were taken hostage. His mother was released, but his father was killed in captivity, his body still in Gaza. The deal represents closure for him.
“It’s a mixed bag of emotions—the first is of accomplishment,” he said. “All of a sudden, we’re here. That’s worth fighting for.” The agreement means he can finally bury his father and properly mourn.
Emily Damari and the Berman Family
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude and toasting “L’chaim”—to life. She has been advocating for her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman, whose brother Liran posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman
Gil’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken on October 7, 2023, and her body was recovered from a Gaza tunnel nearly a year later. Despite his personal loss, he expressed joy for other families.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said, adding that he felt “broken” about Carmel but “glowing with joy for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.”
Dalia Cusnir
With her brother-in-law Eitan Horn still in captivity, Dalia felt cautiously optimistic. “We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare.”
However, she emphasized restraint: “Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting until the end. So many things can happen until the last moment, so this is why we’re being so, so careful.”
Eitan was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his brother Iair, who was released earlier this year.
Organizational Response
The Hostages Families Forum expressed “profound gratitude” to President Trump for what they called a “historic breakthrough” in their long campaign to bring their loved ones home.
While celebrations have erupted, families remain cautiously hopeful as they await final approval and implementation of the agreement.
