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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

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

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed 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 delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group