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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and relief across Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister 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 exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives 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 brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive 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. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas