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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and relief across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding 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 of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement 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 said.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things 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 work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas