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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered 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 assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

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

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas