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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

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

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

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

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

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... 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 child, you are coming home.”

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures 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 now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage 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 all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group