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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

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

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

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.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

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

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

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

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 release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas