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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“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 son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to 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.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within 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 stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz 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 felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, 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’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated 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 kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas