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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and relief across Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• 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 to mark the news 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 Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events 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 ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group