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The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin 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 kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas