Celebratory Displays along with a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Deal to Return Captives
The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief across the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
- REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
- Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
- ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues
Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
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 in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing 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 such a long time and here it is,” he said.
He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
