Celebratory Displays along with a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.
“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas
