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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, 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 on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas