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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent 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 announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, 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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

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’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group