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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was taken 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 experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas