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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “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 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 Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 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.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group