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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and relief across the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin 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 a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked 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 that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group