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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “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 together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken 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.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group