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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon 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 prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way 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 could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother 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 in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group