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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark 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 captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.

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

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas