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The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
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• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother 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.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... 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 was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas