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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “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 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

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

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to 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 in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage 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 that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“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 participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken 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

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group