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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

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

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release 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, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas