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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced 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 companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas