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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

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

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

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas