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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage 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 companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “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 recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still 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.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... 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 released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group