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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which 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 the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group