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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and relief across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

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

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz 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 experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the 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 | Israel | The group