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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see 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 plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas