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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

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

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

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’re coming back!... Matan is coming 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 was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group