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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... 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 son, you are returning home.”

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group