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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return 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 plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, 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 posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured 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 advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone 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 finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group