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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” 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 was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas