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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched 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
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage 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 a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” 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 was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when 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 through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas