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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated 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 approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

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

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

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release 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, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited 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 families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“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 nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas