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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

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

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity 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 war | The nation | Hamas