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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and comfort across Israel.

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

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

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... 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 freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group