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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release 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 the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

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

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming 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 yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas