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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and relief across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured 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 peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group