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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling 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 recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all 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.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events 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 once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group