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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming 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 joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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 taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group