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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals 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 at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, 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.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “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.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt 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 start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things 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 make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas