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The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

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

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

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in 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 which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group