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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains 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 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

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

Their sibling 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, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... 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 simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group