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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

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

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“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 efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group