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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and relief across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas