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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas