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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners 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 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding 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 after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held 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 coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems 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 soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas