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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin 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 captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes 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 together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group