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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

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

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas