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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s 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 prisons plus 1,700 individuals 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

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

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

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
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• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group