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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... 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 make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas