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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all 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 captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group