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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group