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

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

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

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in 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 that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“So many things might occur 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 ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas