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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

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

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release 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.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages 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 experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur 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 agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas