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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and relief across Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“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 agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

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

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel that this could 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 early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which 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 will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas