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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and relief throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying 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 need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding 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 throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, 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 are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas