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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

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

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages 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 brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas