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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

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

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

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. 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 remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas