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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “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’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming 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 rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group