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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz 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’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas