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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group