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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

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

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized 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 President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas