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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin will 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 taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas