Tears and Celebration in Tel Aviv After Gaza Hostage Deal

Tears, champagne, and cheers filled the streets of Tel Aviv late Wednesday as families of hostages held in Gaza celebrated news of a long-awaited agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The announcement brought an outpouring of emotion among relatives who have spent nearly two years awaiting word on their loved ones abducted by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. Photos from the scene showed people embracing, crying, and waving flags, while others opened bottles of champagne in jubilation.

Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, reacts following news that Israel and Hamas have agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 9, 2025, in this still image taken from video. Reuters TV via REUTERS

People celebrate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, at the “Hostages square”, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

According to statements made by Donald Trump, the exchange process is expected to take place on Monday.

“Our Struggle Is Not Over”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the main organization representing relatives of those still held in Gaza, hailed the deal as a “significant and meaningful step forward.”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the group said the agreement would allow “the living to be reunited with their families and the deceased to be repatriated and laid to rest.”

After Historic Deal Announcement, Hostages Families Invite President Trump to Meet During Israel Visit

“We would be deeply honored if you would meet with us during your upcoming visit to Israel. This could be one of the greatest shows of support in the history of Israel to a… pic.twitter.com/5HO0802N9y

— Bring Them Home Now (@bringhomenow) October 9, 2025

However, the Forum stressed that the fight continues until every hostage is brought home. “Our struggle is not over—and will not end until the last hostage returns,” the group said.

Hope After Nearly Two Years of Waiting

The announcement marks the most hopeful development since the mass abductions, which shocked Israel and drew global attention. While details of the agreement have not yet been released, the news has reignited hope among families who have endured months of uncertainty and grief.

For many in Tel Aviv, Wednesday night was a rare moment of relief—and the beginning of what they hope will be an end to a long, painful ordeal.

A person wearing a mask depicting U.S. President Donald Trump waves an Israeli flag with a yellow ribbon in the center, as people celebrate after Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, at the “Hostages square”, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Natali Zangauker and Einav Zangauker, the sister and mother of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker, celebrate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Moti Milrod ISRAEL OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN ISRAEL

Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, reacts to news that Israel and Hamas have agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 9, 2025, in this still image taken from video. Reuters TV via REUTERS

People celebrate, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, at the “Hostages square”, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun