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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending 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 Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “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 almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas