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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and comfort across 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—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. It seems 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 remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas