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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group