Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Deal to Return Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath 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 crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “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 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 everyone still being held within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives 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 brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas