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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. 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 such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events 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 we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group