A Family Embrace
"I Prayed for These Tears": Hostage Families Erupt After Trump Announces Deal
Israeli families of Hamas hostages react with joy and tears to Trump's announcement of a ceasefire deal, gathering at Hostages Square to celebrate the imminent return of loved ones.
A raw eruption of emotion swept through the streets of Israel as families of the remaining hostages and released captives reacted to the dramatic overnight announcement by US President Donald Trump confirming the signing of the first phase of a ceasefire plan with Hamas.
At Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, the spontaneous celebration was immediate and intense. Families gathered, setting off flares, sharing champagne, and distributing sweets, celebrating what they believe is the imminent return of their loved ones.
Joy and Apprehension
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum released an official statement shortly after the announcement, confirming they received the news "with excitement, anticipation, and apprehension."
The Forum stated:
"The Headquarters welcomes the signing of the agreement, which is intended to return all the hostages home, the living for rehabilitation with their families and the fallen for proper burial in their land. This is important and significant progress on the way to returning everyone, but our struggle is not yet over and will not end until the last hostage returns."
Einav Tzengaoker, whose son Matan Tzengaoker is a captive, uncorked a bottle of champagne in the square and later captured the collective feeling of relief and terror:
"He is coming back to me, to Natali and Shani, to Ilana, the love of his life, to you, to the country. I prayed for these tears." She added, with palpable fear, "I'm afraid to wake up and discover it's a dream."
"The Heart is Pounding Like Childbirth"
The families' joy was mixed with the agonizing countdown to the actual release. They immediately called upon the Israeli government to convene and ratify the agreement without delay. "Any delay could exact a heavy price from the hostages and the soldiers," the Forum warned.
Anat Engerest, mother of Matan Engerest, described her emotional state to Ynet:
"We received the news about the agreement with excitement that is indescribable. After almost two years in which we didn't breathe or sleep, all I asked for as a mother was one thing: to hug Matan again... Now that this moment is approaching, the heart is pounding like childbirth: counting breaths until we see him and hear his laughter at home."
Survivors and Veterans React
The moment was shared by those who had already endured captivity. Omer Wenkert, a freed hostage, shared a direct message for two friends still held: "Thank God. It finally happened. I don't believe it. Avihai and Guy, I am waiting for you."
Released captives Emily Damari and Romi Gonen posted a video of themselves jumping with joy upon hearing Trump’s announcement. Some released hostages gathered in the square, lighting flares and sharing sweets. Survivors even shared a photo of themselves appearing to "kiss Trump" in gratitude.
Danny Miran, father of captive Omri Miran, rushed to the square and even called for the area to be renamed "Returnees Square." He emotionally shared, "I don't sleep at night. Today my granddaughters came into the room, we danced and cried together."
Meanwhile, Dani Elgart, brother of fallen captive Yitzik Elgart, expressed a more complex emotion: "I am very happy, but I also do not forget... What we have been through in these two years, we have no reason to feel relief." He insisted on a future "reckoning" for the leadership failures that contributed to the October 7 disaster.
Thanking Trump: "You Did It!"
The Hostages Forum and several families spoke directly with President Trump by phone to express their thanks for his "leadership and determination" in achieving the "historic breakthrough."
"Thank you, this is amazing, you did it!" they reportedly told Trump. "We believe in you and know you did so much for us... God bless you. Thank you."
Trump, who had earlier shared a video message from family members and survivors to his Truth social network, responded simply: "The hostages are returning, everyone, on Monday."
First Lady Sara Netanyahu also sent a message to the families, writing: "I write to you with excitement, that very soon you will be able to hug your children." She thanked her husband, the Prime Minister, and the IDF for their efforts.