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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... 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 joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

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

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once 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

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group