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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

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

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” 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.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

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

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group