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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

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

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might 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 early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events 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 efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group