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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to 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.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone 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 said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done 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 said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate 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 freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas