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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—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 celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas