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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

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

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding 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 in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling 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 recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. 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 when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas