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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

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

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group