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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all 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 taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas