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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees 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 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

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

A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

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

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives 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 remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group