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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“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 child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer 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 “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom 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, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group