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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and relief across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. 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 celebrate.

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

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant 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 back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group