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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“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, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all 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 kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group