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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

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

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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 announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling 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 in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone 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 felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment 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 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 released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group