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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Freed Hostages Say 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 “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

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

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group