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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas