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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage 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 as she held her child.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say 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 “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings 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 here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

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

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas