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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

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

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

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

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group