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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

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

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli 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 Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

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

“So many things might occur 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 together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas