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

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

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

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice 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’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “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 found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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 everything 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.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment 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 once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group