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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

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

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “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

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

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

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas