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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has caused delight and relief across Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings 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 taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

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

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group