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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

The gathering began clapping and dancing under 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, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed 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 of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives 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 brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done 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 remained too early to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group