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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news 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 mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following 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”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “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 found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

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

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz 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’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still 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 might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is 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.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group