A palpable sense of elation swept across Israel on Thursday morning as many citizens woke up to the groundbreaking news of a deal that may finally bring an end to two years of conflict. Some individuals were so invested in the unfolding events that they chose to forgo sleep, staying glued to their TVs and phones for updates on the progress of the agreement.
“What could feel better than the thought that all the hostages will return?” expressed Oz Isuk, 51, a resident of Jerusalem who works in the security sector. “Thank God we’ll end this saga; the war will conclude, allowing us to close a painful chapter in our lives and begin the process of rehabilitation as a nation.”
At approximately 3 a.m., shortly after the announcement of the deal, former hostages who had been released during a brief cease-fire earlier this year flocked to the central plaza in Tel Aviv, now dubbed “Hostages Square.” This gathering was a celebration of hope after a harrowing, months-long wait for the captives still held in Gaza, who were taken during the Hamas-led attack in October 2023 that ignited the ongoing war.
As the sun rose and much of the country took a break from work to observe the festival of Sukkot, joyous celebrations continued in Hostages Square, where people danced in circles, embodying a collective sense of relief and unity. Along a major thoroughfare in Tel Aviv, enormous billboards emerged with the bold message, “Thank you, President Trump,” highlighting the international dimension of the negotiations.
In Jerusalem, former hostages joined congregations at the iconic Western Wall for prayers, further emphasizing the nation's shared sentiment of relief. The family of Alon Ohel, one of the hostages, shared their emotional reaction: “We received the news of the agreement that has been reached with tears of joy.” Mr. Ohel was captured after fleeing the Nova music festival, where the tragic loss of over 380 lives occurred.
“Our family is wrapped in the embrace of all the people of Israel, and we embrace the people of Israel in return,” the family stated, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump, and the Israeli soldiers who fought for their son, Alon. However, they noted that they had yet to receive any official notification regarding when their son might be released.
Despite the overwhelming joy permeating the nation, some Israelis voiced frustration over the prolonged negotiations. “There should be no doubt, this deal came about solely because of President Trump,” said Yehuda Cohen, father of 21-year-old Nimrod Cohen, a soldier currently held in Gaza, during an interview with Channel 12 News on Thursday morning. He articulated feelings of betrayal towards the Israeli government, adding, “We need to enter into a long period of rehabilitation, not only for Nimrod but for the entire country.”
As Israel stands on the brink of a potential resolution, the mix of celebration, gratitude, and lingering frustration paints a complex picture of a nation eager for peace and healing.
