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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief across Israel.

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

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“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 commented.

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

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

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group