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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved 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 ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. 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 are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group