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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister 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 exclaimed as she held her child.

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for 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.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

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

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

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

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely 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 in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas