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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage 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 Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

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 advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

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 at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas