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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those 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 expressed.

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events 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 ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group