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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and comfort across Israel.

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

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President 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 feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group