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The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and relief across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—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 return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

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

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding 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 after 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 cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to 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’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

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

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

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas