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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

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• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother 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 participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “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.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group