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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

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

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

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

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas