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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and relief across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

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

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting 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 returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the 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 conflict | Israel | Hamas