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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see 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 and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way 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 joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

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 finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group