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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in 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, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems 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 returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: 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 | Hamas