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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

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

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

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

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

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• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

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

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas