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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across Israel.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother 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 announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage 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 like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity 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 conflict | Israel | Hamas