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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

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

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

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother 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 on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group