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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and relief across the nation.

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

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

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return 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 said.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas