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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

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

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

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

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

Cautious Optimism 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 the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. 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 simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal 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 peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas