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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and relief throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous 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 need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group