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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before 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 adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back 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 mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished 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 was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas