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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

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

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”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group