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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while 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 ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive 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 wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas