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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in 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 started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister 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 daughter.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, 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, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings 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 said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes 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 along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group