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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate 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 of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely 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 in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group