Celebratory Displays and a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Deal Bringing Back Hostages
The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable 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, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone 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 said he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas