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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

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

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The delight could be felt 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 with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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 are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group