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The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and relief across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

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

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen 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 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 Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group