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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit 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 child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

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

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... 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 freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group