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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and relief across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

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

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical 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 reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother 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, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

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

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group