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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

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

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming 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 could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning 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.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

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

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz 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 first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas