Celebratory Displays and a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Deal to Return Captives
The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief across Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked 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 like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
