Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Delight at Agreement to Return Hostages
The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring approved by 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 prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “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 recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home but was “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 felt as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas
