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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment 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 will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘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 war | The nation | Hamas