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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and relief across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their brother 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, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” 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 seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism 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 done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group