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

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

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

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of 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 captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur 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 efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas