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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

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

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

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

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group