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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

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

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd began clapping 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.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

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

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming 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 delight was palpable in the streets in 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 cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in 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 homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

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

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas