Celebratory Displays and a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Deal to Return Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still detained 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 stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.
“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group
