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The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s 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 imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see 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 set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

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

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group