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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing 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 have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this 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 | Hamas