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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and relief across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched 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.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers 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 are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group