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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see 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 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he felt “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 finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

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

“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group