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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 return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held 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 done for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group