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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and comfort across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing 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 while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

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

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas