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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated joy and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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 in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

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

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group