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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

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

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... 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 throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope 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’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group