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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
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• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli 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 said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate 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 through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas