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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group