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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives held within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas