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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and relief across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas