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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen 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 ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken 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.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas