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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“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 deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas