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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for 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 in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured 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

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group