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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

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 cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage 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 being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin 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 seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group