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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the release captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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 release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

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

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group