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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be 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 could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas