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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

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

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning 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’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law 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 like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment 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 we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas