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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back 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 with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother 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 in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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