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The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical 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 need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“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, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

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

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south 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 the President and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group