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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

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

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said 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 like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” 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 efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas