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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

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

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

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

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

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite 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 returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group