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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after 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 thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas