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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom 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.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group