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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

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

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas