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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas