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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law 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. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

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

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group