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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to 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, and her body recovered from an underground passage 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 detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once 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 in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group