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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way 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 delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.

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

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas