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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “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, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too early 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.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved 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 Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas