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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and relief across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas