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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group