Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, which since Oct. 7, 2023, has stood as a symbol of pain, hope and perseverance, turned joyous overnight as tears of despair were replaced by those of relief and happiness.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement, under which all 48 Israeli hostages would be released in the first phase, the square filled with families of the hostages, volunteers and Israelis who simply couldn’t stay home.

Dani Miran, the father of Omri Miran, set to return home as part of the deal, said: “This morning I’m full of joy. I haven’t felt this way in two years. Just look at this happiness, it’s greater than the birth of a child. You wait nine months for a baby, but I’ve waited two years. We haven’t told the girls yet

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