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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer 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”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful 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 before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas