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The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange 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 recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage 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 exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer 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”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families 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 have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

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

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. 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 kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group