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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

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

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The joy 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, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, 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.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

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

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which 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 will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz 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’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas