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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

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

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

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

“Numerous events can happen 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 ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group