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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return 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.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at 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 dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “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 hostage families in advocating 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 such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group