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The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “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 stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage 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 news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling 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 found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group