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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” 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 participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas