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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz 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 first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas