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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages 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

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

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

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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 child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas