For two years, hostages Square in central Tel Aviv has been a place of anguish and despair.

But on Thursday, it turned into a scene of celebration.

Families of hostages and their supporters rejoiced as news spread that a deal had been struck to free Israeli captives held in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, in a major breakthrough in the two-year-old war.

The square, a symbol of ongoing struggle, was a center of hope and relief for the families and the nation.

"We have a country to fix, we are on our way of fixing it that starts with the return of everyone, only then the real fixing will start" said Einav Zangauker, arguably the most prominent face of the 2-year-long campaign to free the hostages, whose son has been held captive.

Hamas plans to release all 20 living hostages in the coming days, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media, “With God’s help we will bring them all home.”

Hamas said separately that the deal would ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as allow for the entry of aid and exchange of hostages and prisoners.