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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group