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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

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

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage 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 said while holding her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 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 an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group