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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused delight and comfort across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while 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 gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

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

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this 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 we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group