Celebratory Displays and a Cheer for Life: Israelis Delight at Deal to Return Hostages
The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz 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, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas
