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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages 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—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering began clapping and moving to music 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, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events 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 work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured 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

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas