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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return 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 earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked 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. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when 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 released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas