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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

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

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

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to 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 taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

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

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group