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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman 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 advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... 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 simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured 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

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas