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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in 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 American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

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

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

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

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

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas