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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives 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 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

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

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas