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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

To date, 148 hostages 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 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 sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

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

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group