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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed 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 joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

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

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

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity 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 accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas