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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” 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 along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas