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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded 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 beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling 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 in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

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

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group