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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• 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 of his impending returned home.

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

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin 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 release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured 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 advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

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

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas