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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has caused delight and relief across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured 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

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas