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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
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Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas