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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

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

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is 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 this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas