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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and relief across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees 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 and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “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, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could 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 returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice 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 freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas