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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

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

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for 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 captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south 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 are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

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

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas