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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The joy 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, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held within 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 said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group