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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and relief across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way 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 Raise Glasses

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas