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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and relief across the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

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,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• 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 news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive 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 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 said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group