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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas