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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home 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.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

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

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas