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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

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

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

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

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas