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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place 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 under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 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 being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced 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 that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events 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 efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother 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 about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas