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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

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

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 must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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 the President and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas