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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical 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 stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said 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 was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally 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 “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything 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 commented.

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 might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas