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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

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

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated 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 posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last 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 as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group