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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief across Israel.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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 said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent 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 announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group