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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages 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 been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

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

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. 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 simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group