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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails 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.

Celebratory Moments 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 under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. 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 almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel 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 seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group