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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and relief across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas