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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and relief 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 deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release 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.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still 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 might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas