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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families 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 Relatives

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 everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas