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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief across Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place 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 adore Trump.”

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

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother 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, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: 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 | Hamas