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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and relief across Israel.

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 approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage 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 child.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “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, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

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

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

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

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work 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 Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group