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

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, 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 news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues 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, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. 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 almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

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

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished 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 commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas