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The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

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

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

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘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 | Hamas