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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.

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

“Numerous events 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 participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group