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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

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

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement 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 mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group