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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign 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’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

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 “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas