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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets in 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 gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings 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 “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“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 was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group