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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and comfort across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

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

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “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 recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

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 all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. 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 simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group