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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

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

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen 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 will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group