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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered 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 gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

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

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Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, 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 on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would 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 Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group