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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, 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.”

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in 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 gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas