TEL AVIV: On Thursday, Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square was filled with tears of joy, overshadowing two years of suffering, as Israelis marked President Donald Trump’s announcement of an initial agreement designed to conclude the conflict between and Hamas.
“I feel overjoyed, overwhelmed, and simply happy — every positive emotion imaginable,” Daniel Lifshitz shared with Digital at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square.
Oded Lifshitz, Daniel Lifshitz’s grandfather, was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and subsequently died while held captive by Hamas. His remains were repatriated to Israel for interment in February 2025.
“When a loved one is a hostage who has passed away, there’s no peace for your soul. You’re uncertain what steps to take; there’s no designated place to grieve. You cannot simply create a grave and visit it,” Lifshitz explained.
“There’s an ongoing apprehension that some captives may not return alive, or that certain bodies might never be recovered. We will remain here until every single person is brought home, but today feels like a celebration.”
On Wednesday, Trump made an announcement , stating, “This signifies that all hostages will be released imminently, and Israel will pull back its forces to a predetermined boundary as initial actions toward achieving a robust, enduring, and perpetual peace.”
A euphoric scene unfolded in the square as Israelis, donning Trump face masks and displaying U.S. flags or placards expressing gratitude to the American president, convened. They took pictures with other supporters, chanted “The people of Israel live,” and were filled with optimism as the country made ready to receive captives taken by Hamas 733 days prior.
Galit Even-Chen was one of many thousands of Israelis present at Hostages Square for the commemoration of this event.
“I feel compelled to connect with this happiness,” she conveyed to Digital, her voice breaking with emotion. “To participate in the families’ elation, to be present and truly believe this is coming to pass.
“Until returns, this isn’t finished,” she added. “We’re still experiencing trauma; we haven’t even reached a post-traumatic stage. We still need to comprehend the events that unfolded here. It has an unreal quality — and today serves as a form of catharsis, a sense of relief that we are embarking on a more positive path.”
On Wednesday night, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum Headquarters conveyed its “profound appreciation” to Trump and his administration for their leadership and resolve, which resulted in this “historic breakthrough.”
“There are still individuals held by Hamas. Our moral and national obligation is to ensure the return of every one of them, both those alive and those who have perished. Their repatriation is crucial for the complete healing and rejuvenation of Israeli society. We pledge not to cease our efforts or remain silent until every hostage is home,” the declaration affirmed.
Harrosh Menashe, the uncle of Elkana Bohbot — a Hamas hostage presumed alive after being seized at the Supernova festival on October 7 — informed Digital that Trump’s announcement brought “relief” as he visited Kibbutz Nahal Oz’s memorial tent for the massacre victims in the square.
“We already experience a certain lightness, a diminished burden compared to before. Our aspiration is to revert to our former state — but this must occur without delay. At present, we feel suspended; we must remain realistic and observe how events develop,” Menashe further stated.
The Israeli military has announced preparations for the reception of 20 living hostages at the Re’im base, situated near the Gaza border. These preparations include establishing a specific zone where they will undergo medical examination and have the opportunity to refresh themselves prior to family reunions. Following this, the liberated captives are to be transported by air to various hospitals throughout Israel, where specialized departments have already been made ready.
Earlier this week, families of the hostages dispatched a letter to the , urging the institution to bestow the Nobel Peace Prize upon Trump, asserting that he had “achieved what many deemed unattainable.”
“Over the last year, no leader or entity has made a greater contribution to global peace than President Trump,” the letter declared. “While numerous individuals have articulated peace eloquently, he has brought it to fruition. Where others have presented hollow commitments, he has provided concrete outcomes that have preserved countless lives.”
Trump and First Lady Melania extended their thanks to the forum in a letter dispatched on Tuesday, coinciding with the second anniversary of the Hamas-led massacre on October 7.
“My entire administration has been deeply moved by your resilience; despite the inconceivable anguish and hardship of two years spent in uncertainty about the whereabouts of your loved ones, you have consistently recounted their stories and championed their cause,” Trump penned.