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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to 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’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly 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 home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“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 efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas