Celebratory Displays and a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement to Return Captives
The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.
He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage 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
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas
