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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

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

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group