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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning 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 are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “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 at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen 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 make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group