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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments 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.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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 loved ones.”

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Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “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 almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group