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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—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 celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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 in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with 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 have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” 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 deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas