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

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group