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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and relief across the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives 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 felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group