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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing 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 bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas