Celebratory Displays and a Toast to Life: Israelis Delight at Deal Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.
“Numerous events might occur 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 work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
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Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
