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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

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.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up 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’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

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

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “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, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas