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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives 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 come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for 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 taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone 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 said.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group