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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return 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 earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved 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 gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “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, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the 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