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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling 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, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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 remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump 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 seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely 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 agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas