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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—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 exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin 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 friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “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 recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas