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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“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 announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: 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 announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, 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 captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group