The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, and hostages who had been previously released, celebrated the news of the agreement reached between Hamas and Israel.
Some hostage families and former hostages in Washington, DC spoke with US President Donald Trump on the phone to thank him.
In a video released by hostage families, a small crowd can be seen saying “Thank you” as they gathered around the phone, held by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “You did it!”
Trump can be heard replying:
“You just take care of yourselves, the hostages will be coming back, they’re all coming back on Monday.”
President Trump speaks to hostage families
President Trump speaks to hostage families
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Many also took to social media to celebrate. “I can’t believe it,” said released hostage Ohad Ben Ami in a video on Instagram.
Addressing several of the remaining hostages in Gaza by their first names, he said, “I’m waiting for you, can’t wait to hug you already. I’m dying to (hug you). Oh, what a day. Thank you, Trump.”
Omer Shem Tov and Eliya Cohen, two other former hostages who were released early this year, posted a photo on Instagram of them kissing a small Trump figurine.
Liran Berman, whose twin brothers Gali and Ziv are still being held in Gaza after being abducted from Kfar Aza kibbutz in southern Israel, posted on X:
“My Gali and Zivi I love you so much. You’re coming back home.”
The twins were last seen alive by witnesses in February, when the last hostage release was held during a fragile ceasefire that later fell apart. Speaking to CNN in June, Berman said he believed Gali and Ziv had been separated in the tunnels where they were being kept.
Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, an Israel Defense Forces soldier whose body is held by Hamas, thanked Trump and other members of the US negotiating team.
“We are still nervous if and when Itay and the other hostages on the deceased list will be found and brought back to us,” he said in a post.
Itay Chen is a dual US citizen.
Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, also expressed joy over her son’s anticipated return. “These are the tears I prayed for,” she said.