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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—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 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 and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

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

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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 in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

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 participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice 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 through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group