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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli 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 imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains 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 homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes 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 along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas