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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and relief across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore 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 stated. “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: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning 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’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

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

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

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

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas