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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning 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 taken hostage 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 advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening 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 thank everyone 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 captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas