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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group