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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts 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 Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group