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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, 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.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

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

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group