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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli 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 Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally 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 is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group