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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees 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 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before 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 adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful 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 hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group