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

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of 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 as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “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, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. 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 the last captive is back 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 this year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas