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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and relief across the nation.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... 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 make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas