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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in 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 felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group