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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held 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 for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group