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

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through 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 located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

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

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will 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 taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas