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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“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 announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned 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 it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group