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The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer 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 will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas