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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

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 participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage 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 accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

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

“Numerous events might occur 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 work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group