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

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin 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 freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone 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 expressed.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... 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.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas