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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and relief across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally 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 relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced 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 ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas