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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” 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 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
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• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “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 start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group