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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and relief across the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept 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.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last 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 is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“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 agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south 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 accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group