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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... 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 son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains 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 detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting 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 captives who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas