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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

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

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained 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 was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group