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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see 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 the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
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• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

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

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas