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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

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

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept 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 families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

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

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law 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 on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas