Celebratory Displays and a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice over Deal Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark 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 parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
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, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas