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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief across the nation.

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

The deal—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 exchange 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 previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

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

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

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

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this 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 war | The nation | The group