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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

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

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south 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 peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group