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The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring 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 prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

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