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

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

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

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group