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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, 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 in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

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

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas