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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling 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 found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group