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

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

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in 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 saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel 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 in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

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

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas