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

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

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Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. 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 home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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 felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when 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 in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘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 | The nation | Hamas