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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by 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 detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful 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 feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group