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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and relief across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... 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 son, you are returning home.”

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, 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 on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

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

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group