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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

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

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

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

Viki Cohen, the mother 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 following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains 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 everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely 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 in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas