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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

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

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas