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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

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Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent 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 after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, 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’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin 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 Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked 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 ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things 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 was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas