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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music 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 as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings 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 stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas