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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “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 embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas