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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated joy and relief across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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 the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open 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 are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas