Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement to Return Captives
The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “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 are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.
He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
