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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

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 captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite 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 will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” 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 participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘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