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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched 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 deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said 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 delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“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 so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity 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 | The nation | The group