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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages 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 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way 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 throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin 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 release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas