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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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 captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “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.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything 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 said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

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

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group