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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release 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 plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their brother 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 in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas