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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives held within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons 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 have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives 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 felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group