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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off 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 parent 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 news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother 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 in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, 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 simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas