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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

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

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas