Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement to Return Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and relief across the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.
He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group
