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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding 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 after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz 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 “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas