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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening 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’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas