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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across the nation.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman 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 captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas