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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which 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 the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas