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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage 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 an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group