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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive 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 done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group