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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

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

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

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

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release 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.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally 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 remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas