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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and relief across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister 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 said as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas