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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“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 until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas