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

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return 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 earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

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

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

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for 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 found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized 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, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group