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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and relief across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli 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.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south 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 “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group