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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “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 Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group