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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... 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 was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those 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 expressed.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

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

“So many things 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 efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group