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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and relief across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

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

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be 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 delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas