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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything 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 commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

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

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group