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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

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

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“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 feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group