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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and comfort across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly 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 his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas