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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said 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 after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group