Emotions ran high in Tel Aviv early Thursday after President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a deal securing the immediate release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza — a moment families have waited two years to see.
According to The Times of Israel, at Hostages Square, where weekly rallies have long demanded the captives’ return, families and supporters erupted in cheers, some chanting, “Nobel Prize to Trump!” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum — representing most hostage families — thanked Trump for his role and invited him to meet them during his upcoming trip to the Middle East.
“Thank God, it finally happened! I can’t believe it,” wrote former hostage Omer Wenkert on Instagram. “Avia and Guy, I’m waiting for you.” Another freed hostage, Eliya Cohen, posted, “Tell me, is there anyone in this country who can actually breathe?”
Silvia Cunio, mother of hostages David and Ariel, wept as she said, “I dream of the hugs, the kisses. Of David hugging Sharon, Emma, and Yuli; of Ariel hugging Arbel.” Her daughter-in-law Sharon Cunio shared a photo of their family, writing: “Emma and Yulie, dad is coming home.”
Danny Miran, father of hostage Omri Miran, said he was “smiling from ear to ear, but with tears of joy.” Viki Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, wrote on X: “My child, you’re coming home!”
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among those returning, said, “I have prayed for these tears. Matan is coming home to me… and to the love of his life, Ilana.”
Families across Israel shared similar joy. Liran Berman, whose twin brothers Gali and Ziv remain in Gaza, wrote: “My Gali and Zivi, I love you so much. You’re coming back home.” Their aunt told Channel 12 News, “There is no happiness like this… we were so afraid, and now I’m crying tears of happiness.”
Merav Gilboa-Dalal, mother of hostage Guy, said: “The main thing is that my son should come back healthy and on his own two feet. The experiences they will have afterward will be amazing… because we got him back again — a gift.”
The Families Forum issued a statement celebrating the deal as “an important and significant step toward bringing everyone home,” but emphasized that “our struggle is not over — and will not be over — until the last hostage returns.” The group urged Israel’s government “to convene immediately and approve the agreement,” warning that any delay could be costly.
In an open letter to Trump, the families wrote: “You have given us back what we thought we had lost forever. You kept your promise, and for that our families will be forever grateful.” They added, “We simply need the opportunity to look you in the eye and express what words alone cannot fully convey: that you gave us back our families, and with them, our hope.”
Terror groups in Gaza are believed to be holding 48 hostages, including 20 living captives and at least 26 confirmed dead, according to Israeli officials. Among the bodies is that of an IDF soldier killed in 2014.
In Washington, families of hostages meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick spoke with Trump by phone. “Mr. President, we believe in you,” one relative said. Another added, “God bless you, Mr. President, God bless America.” Trump told them all hostages would be back by Monday, prompting applause.
Israeli leaders also hailed the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “With God’s help, we will bring them all home.” He thanked the IDF and security forces, saying their “courage and sacrifice” made this moment possible.
President Isaac Herzog shared, “All of Israel stands with the hostages… and they shall return from the land of the enemy,” quoting the book of Jeremiah.
Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Trump and Netanyahu for “the leadership that led to the deal.” Even far-right Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf, often critical of ceasefire talks, celebrated that “everyone will return home.”
Opposition leaders joined in unity. Yair Lapid thanked Trump, saying Israel was “waiting for our children with bated breath.” Benny Gantz added, “All our hearts are with the 48 families, hoping and praying for the release of everyone — the living to the bosoms of their loved ones, and the dead for a proper burial in the soil of Israel.”
The families’ message echoed across Israel: “We will not rest, and we will not stop until the last hostage returns. We will bring them home. We will rise again.”
