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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

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—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom 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.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas