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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched 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 celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for 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.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is 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

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas