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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming 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 joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

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

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure 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 this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group