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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group