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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and relief across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight 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 alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin 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 captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas