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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

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

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned 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.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group