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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump 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 said.

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

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

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group