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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and relief throughout the nation.

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

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

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

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 beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope 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 are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group