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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this 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 war | The nation | The group