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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother 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, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group