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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

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

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

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer 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 “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas