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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and relief across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

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

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated 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’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group