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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage 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 advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” 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 deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas